Hearing loss is a progressive condition, which means it often develops so slowly, you don’t even know you have it until it has advanced to a stage that is difficult to treat. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal, feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, falls and even dementia. To prevent these and other comorbidities, we recommend watching out for the following signs of hearing loss.
1. You Frequently Ask People to Repeat Themselves
Nobody likes to repeat themselves. If you find yourself frequently asking people to, it can be a frustrating situation for everyone involved.
2. It Seems Like Everyone Is Mumbling
It’s true that some people do mumble. But if it feels like everyone around you is mumbling constantly, this is a sign of hearing loss.
3. You Have Trouble in Settings with Background Noise
Dinner parties at All Set Restaurant and Bar are fun, but it can be difficult to follow the conversation if you have hearing loss.
4. You Turn Up the TV Louder than Others Prefer
One complaint we hear regularly from the loved ones of someone who has hearing loss is the TV is always way too loud. If you hear this from your family, this is a sign you may be having trouble hearing.
5. Talking on the Phone Is Difficult
Talking on the phone is one of the most difficult tasks for someone who has hearing loss. This is because visual cues like lipreading, facial expressions and gestures are missing from these interactions.
6. Your Loved Ones Have Mentioned You May Have Hearing Loss
It’s often the case that the loved ones of someone with hearing loss pick up on the signs before the person who’s having trouble hearing actually seeks out help.
7. You Feel Exhausted After Long Periods of Listening
Listening fatigue occurs because of the extra energy it takes to follow conversations when you can’t hear well.
8. You Avoid People and Activities You Once Enjoyed
Many people with untreated hearing loss begin to withdraw from activities and people they once enjoyed since they have trouble communicating and keeping up.
9. You Frequently Misunderstand People
Have you ever responded to someone inappropriately because you misheard what they said? This happens to everyone, but if it happens to you often, it may be a sign of hearing loss.
10. You Work or Worked Somewhere Noisy
If you’ve been exposed to a lot of occupational noise, you have a higher risk of developing hearing loss than someone who works somewhere quiet. For more information about the signs of hearing loss or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call Hearing Center Silver Spring today.