Hearing loss is more prevalent than many realize, affecting approximately 15% of U.S. adults. Despite how common the condition is, the early signs often go unnoticed or unaddressed, leading to delayed treatment. Let’s look at five common signs of hearing loss to help you identify it in yourself and your loved ones and how treatment can help.
Four Signs of Hearing Loss
While hearing loss impacts everyone in different ways and degrees, a few common signs include:
- Turning up the volume on your TV or radio. Raising the volume on your TV or radio higher than is comfortable for others is a common result of hearing loss. If you find yourself relying on subtitles more frequently or getting comments about the loudness of your audio devices, it might be time for a hearing test.
- Pretending to hear in conversations. Everyone occasionally nods along when they miss a word or two in conversation, especially in noisy environments. However, if pretending to understand conversations becomes routine, it’s a red flag. If you often feel lost, constantly ask others to repeat themselves or need frequent clarifications, your hearing loss might be progressing.
- Communication becomes exhausting. Hearing loss forces your brain to work harder to process sounds, leading to mental fatigue. If you frequently feel drained after social interactions, it could be due to your brain’s extra effort to interpret sounds, a potential indicator of hearing loss.
- Avoiding social gatherings. Social situations can become frustrating when hearing is challenging, especially in noisy environments like bustling cafes or happy hours at The Lodge. As your hearing loss goes untreated, it may feel easier to avoid social events and gatherings. Recognizing when your avoidance stems from hearing difficulties is important for seeking early treatment and maintaining a fulfilling social life.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
Hearing aids are tiny devices that collect, amplify and bring noise directly to the ear canal. They can improve your life with hearing loss by amplifying speech sounds and minimizing irrelevant background noise to provide clear and accessible communication.
Don’t wait to start your treatment journey. Contact Gulf Coast Audiology today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for a hearing test and treatment consultation.