Did you know that hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States? It’s true. In fact, there are many different factors that play into hearing loss, including genetics, age, and illness. Beyond that, hearing loss affects more than just the quality of sound. Hearing loss can also cause aloofness, confusion, and personality changes. Because hearing loss tends to evolve slowly over time, you may not realize you’ve lost some of your hearing. So if you’re unsure if your ability to hear has decreased, check out our list of symptoms of hearing loss and please don’t hesitate to contact an audiologist for an auditory evaluation.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Difficulty Hearing Certain Consonant Sounds
Do you ever have trouble differentiating between “S” and “F” sounds? If you’ve noticed this issue, you may be experiencing hearing loss. Other consonant sounds that are difficult for someone with hearing loss to differentiate between include sh, v, th, and p.
Watching Television at a High Volume
Needing the television to be at a higher volume is a tell-tale sign of hearing loss. Many people with hearing problems don’t even realize how high they’ve turned the volume, so it is typically a family member who will point out that the television is too loud. If you’ve ever had a friend or family member mention this to you, consider having your hearing checked.
Difficulty Hearing High-Pitched Sounds
Higher pitched sounds are more difficult to hear for someone with levels of hearing loss. This includes difficulty hearing women and children, whose voices are typically much higher than male voices. If you’ve noticed you struggle to hear high-pitched sounds, you may be experiencing hearing loss.
Headaches and Exhaustion
People who suffer from hearing loss have to work much harder to hear. You may not even realize you are straining to keep up with conversations. However, headaches and exhaustion at the end of your day are signs your ears are working much harder to hear everyday sounds. If you notice you are getting headaches more frequently or you feel fatigued at the end of the day, this may be due to hearing loss.
Difficulty Hearing Phone Conversations
Do you ever struggle to hear the person at the other end of a phone call? This is one of the most apparent symptoms of hearing loss. Even with the volume turned all the way up, people with hearing loss may still have trouble understanding what the person on the other end is saying. While turning the volume all the way up on your phone may help you hear, it is not good for your hearing health. Instead, take this as a sign that it’s time to contact an audiologist.
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When left untreated, hearing loss can worsen and cause cognitive decline and other health issues, including tinnitus, dementia, depression, fatigue, and balance problems. Luckily, many treatment options can quickly remedy hearing loss and improve your quality of life. So if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, contact an audiologist right away and get started on the journey to a happier, healthier you.
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