How to Tell If You Have Hearing Loss

Have you noticed the volume on your television set has been creeping up lately? Changes in your sense of hearing are a natural part of the aging process. Learn how to tell if you have hearing loss, and you’ll be able to get the help you need when you need it.

How to Tell If You Have Hearing Loss

Did you know that most seniors over the age of 65 report issues with hearing? Sometimes seniors are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about hearing loss. However, it is one of the most common issues that seniors have to deal with. Not only are you not alone, but there are many ways that your doctor can help you adjust to this change with minimal disruption to your overall life. Learning how to tell if you have hearing loss is a smart way to keep tabs on your ears, and get ahead of any changes that may be occurring before they start to seriously affect your daily routine. 

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

In general, hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner or outer ear. This damage can happen in various ways, ranging from chronic noise exposure to aging. While hearing loss can have a variety of causes, its symptoms tend to be similar in most people:

Trouble with Conversations

Many people first notice hearing issues when they are trying to communicate with others. When you meet with friends, does background noise sometimes make it difficult to follow the conversation? Do you often have to ask people to repeat things more loudly or more distinctly? If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with some degree of hearing loss.

Difficulty Hearing Specific Sounds

Some people think that hearing loss is just like someone turning down the volume of a radio, but the truth is more complex. Some people with hearing loss struggle to make sense of specific sounds, like consonants. Others with hearing loss may be able to hear most of a conversation without issue, but then have difficulty hearing other noises, like their phone ringing in their purse. If your hearing is mostly fine but you’ve noticed some of these odd occurrences, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your doctor.

Cranking Up the Volume on Everyday Life

If you’re a television watcher, have you noticed you’re turning the volume up higher than you used to? When people get in the car with you, do they comment on the loudness of your radio? People with undiagnosed hearing loss sometimes get stuck in a pattern of slowly turning up the volume on all their appliances without realizing it. Next time you turn on some music, pay attention to the volume setting. If it seems a little high, it might be time to think about why. 

Withdrawal from Social Situations

One of the unfortunate side effects of hearing loss is that it can make social activities difficult. Has frustration with hearing caused you to withdraw from some things you used to look forward to? Does a weekly phone call or attempted conversation over breakfast make you anxious? Social isolation can lead to depression and other issues, so if hearing loss is making socializing difficult, it’s time to talk to your doctor. They can help you navigate social situations with hearing loss, and keep you connected to the people you love.

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Learning you have hearing loss can be frustrating, but there’s plenty you can do about it once you have a diagnosis. If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t miss out on the help you need. Talk to your doctor about hearing loss today.