The Most Common Signs of Hearing Loss You Shouldn’t Ignore
Hearing is deeply connected to other parts of our health and well-being. Hearing is linked to brain health, confidence, increased balance, stronger relationships, and a better quality of life. Even though there have been studies that show a strong correlation between good hearing and overall health, many people wait an average of 7 to 10 years before they seek help for hearing loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type of loss in adults, can be difficult to spot because it occurs so gradually. Familiarize yourself with the common signs so you can be proactive if you do have a hearing loss and visit a hearing specialist right away.
7 Signs of Hearing loss
- Lack of clarity. Does it seem like people around you mumble or don’t speak clearly? Hearing loss makes it difficult to hear with clarity, which can make it seem like others are mumbling, especially high-pitched voices such as women and children.
- Hearing in background noise. Multiple speakers, dishes clinking, music playing, and other background noise can make it difficult to focus on the conversation at hand. If you’ve noticed it’s harder to hear the person speaking when there is background noise, it could be hearing loss.
- Asking others to repeat themselves. Frequently responding with “What?” or “Huh?” can disrupt the flow of the conversation.
- Turning up the volume. You need the volume on the TV or radio turned up louder to hear comfortably, but other people complain it’s too loud.
- Listening fatigue. Feeling tired after conversations can be due to increased mental strain when trying to hear. If you have to focus just to hear what is being said you may be left feeling tired after interactions.
- Socially withdrawing. Avoiding get-togethers with family and friends can be due to feelings of embarrassment from not hearing the conversation well.
- Missing the quiet sounds. When was the last time you noticed the birds outside? The air conditioner running? Or your turn signal in the car? Hearing loss makes the world quieter and you may be missing these soft sounds.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one have noticed any of these signs, it’s time to have your hearing checked. At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we offer comprehensive hearing tests to identify hearing loss, so we can create a management plan tailored to you. Schedule your appointment in Bellevue or Kirkland today.
