Hearing loss can sometimes be hard to diagnose, as each patient deals with it differently. Unfortunately, I have seen many patients wait too long and cause irreparable damage.
Hearing loss can present itself very gradually, and thus a patient has ample time to adapt and keep their problems hidden from their family, friends, and co-workers.
Only once the problem becomes unbearable do most people seek help. While we can still help these patients, it is much more advantageous to identify a problem early on and receive professional treatment then.
Check out these first signs of hearing loss for those who may think they are developing a problem. If any of them sound familiar, then please contact us as soon as you can.
Common First Signs Of Hearing Loss
“What?” Or “Pardon Me”
If you find yourself muttering these phrases more than usual, then it’s a clear sign that your hearing is not only in decline but needing some professional attention as well.
This is the most common first sign and is usually met with humor, as the younger members of your family may see this as an opportunity to make light of your age.
The Blame Game
Shifting attention off yourself and onto others is another common sign of hearing loss. This tactic has been used for decades, as it quickly takes the onus off your hearing and puts it on someone else’s inability to enunciate.
If you have accused someone of not speaking loud enough, then you have blamed them for your hearing issue.
Volume Of Electronics
Nowadays, it can be easy to tell if you are increasing your TV or phone volume. A number or percentage usually indicates the level of volume.
If you have noticed that you need to listen to the TV at a higher volume, then that is not the TV’s fault. If you live with family, I’m sure they have noticed you sneaking a few extra notches of volume.
Exhaustion
Listening diligently to each and every word that people say to you throughout the day can take a lot out of you.
Experiencing a hearing loss is not an easy thing, and so it can cause you to feel tired and worn out from having to put so much effort into listening. If your energy levels are down at the end of each day, hearing loss may be the cause.
Shouting Or Speaking Louder Than Others
Because hearing loss can come on so gradually, your family may not notice this as much. But if you have met someone new recently and they commented on how loud you are speaking, then that could be because your hearing has diminished, and you are compensating by speaking extra loud.
Deciphering Multiple Sounds
This symptom is most commonly found in public spaces such as restaurants. With so many other people around and music playing, you may find it more challenging to focus on the conversation happening at your own table.
Blaming the music volume or the obnoxious people at the table next to you is expected and a first sign of hearing loss.
Identifying Hearing Loss In A Loved One
In many cases, the first person to notice your hearing loss will be a loved one. If you live with or have someone close that may be exhibiting signs of hearing loss, then look for these key factors.
Withdrawal
You may see your loved one canceling plans or making up excuses to not go to gatherings that they usually look forward to.
This may be an early sign of hearing loss simply because it is easier not to go and save themselves the embarrassment of not hearing. Or to save the frustration of having to ask so many people to repeat themselves all the time.
Responses Don’t Make Sense
If you are having a conversation with your loved one and they respond with an utterly outlandish comment, it could signify they are losing their hearing.
They may have grown tired of asking you to repeat yourself, so their response is a pure guess, and they are hoping you don’t notice.
Avoiding Or Exiting Conversations
If you notice your loved one who is ordinarily chatty starts to become less social, they may be dealing with a hearing loss. In certain situations, it may be easier for your loved one to avoid conversations rather than have to struggle to hear what is being said.
Isolation
When hearing loss becomes more serious, your loved one may even start to recoil from those closest to them.
By isolating themselves, it takes the pressure off having to try and listen all the time; if there is nothing to listen to, then they don’t notice a problem.
Does This Sound Familiar?
If you have experienced any of these signs or noticed them in a loved one, then give us a call.
We have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat your hearing loss no matter what stage you are at. Even if you are not having any issues now, it’s never too early to come in for a hearing assessment.
By getting an assessment early, we can establish a benchmark for your hearing to identify any issues very early on.
For those already seeing these signs, please call us immediately to discuss your options of getting your hearing treated to return to a life full of hearing.
