Hearing loss is something that it is perfectly possible to live happily and fully with, as long as you get the appropriate treatment at the right time. However, it’s important that you are not doing anything to allow your hearing loss to worsen, and a big part of that is making sure that you take the appropriate steps the moment you realize you are starting to experience and develop hearing loss.
To help you identify that, it might be a good idea to be aware of some of the most common warning signs that you are starting to get hearing loss. If you begin to notice some of the following, you should be sure to get the required help as soon as possible, preferably by getting in touch with your local audiologist.
Let’s take a look at the most pressing warning signs of hearing loss right now.
Difficulty Following Conversations
This can actually be one of the most frustrating and stressful symptoms of all, and it’s unlikely that you will be ignoring it because of the effect it can have on your social life and home life. However, in truth it can sometimes take a while to notice that this is happening, and by the time you notice, your hearing loss will have progressed considerably. So, it’s important to make sure that you are keeping your sense open to this kind of change, because of what it implies about your hearing and how it might be changing.
In particular, if you are frequently having to ask people to repeat themselves, or you notice that you are getting somewhat lost in conversations, then you should consider these clear signs that you are starting to lose your hearing.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be a concerning symptom when it first occurs, and some people really struggle with it. This is otherwise known as ringing in the ears, and it can be either subtle or pronounced – but in either case, it’s the kind of thing that you need to make sure you are paying attention to. When it starts to happen for you, that generally means that you are probably starting to experience hearing loss. In fact, tinnitus can happen before that happens, so that is really an early warning sign to pay attention to when it occurs.
The main thing to remember with tinnitus is that it can be helped. If it is due to hearing loss, then getting a fitted hearing aid should help with both the hearing loss and the tinnitus, thus improving your quality of life considerably.
Losing High-Pitched Sounds
If you are starting to notice that many high-pitched sounds no longer seem to be happening in your hearing, then that is a sign that something might be wrong. This can be hard to notice for a while because it might be quite subtle, but if you suddenly realize you can’t seem to hear the birds, that is a sign that your hearing could be starting to go. Often, it is the high-pitched parts of your hearing that goes first, so noticing this really does mean that you are right on top of it as it happens and that it is time to get some help with your hearing loss as soon as possible.
Turning the TV or Radio Up
This is one that your family and friends might notice before you do, but either way it’s something to look out for. When you start to lose your hearing, you will probably find it harder to hear the TV or radio properly. You might even find that you are turning it up quite loud in order to be able to hear it properly, and this is the part that your loved ones might notice before you do. If you start doing this, it’s probably because you are losing hearing, although it might be happening slowly. Either way, it’s time to get some help.
If you think you might be starting to lose your hearing, perhaps because of these signs or some other signs not listed above, then your first port of call should always be your audiologist. A good audiologist will take you through a full hearing examination, determine the cause of your hearing loss and the kind of hearing loss you have and help you to find the best solution for your needs. They will also show you how to care for a hearing aid, and anything else you might need to know.
To find out more, contact Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions at (973) 721-6520 or (201) 375-9081.
