Hearing is one of the most essential senses, enabling us to communicate, understand, learn, and experience the world around us. It allows us to enjoy music, have conversations with loved ones, and be aware of warnings and alarms like horns, sirens, approaching vehicles, or fire alarms. Knowing the early signs of hearing loss will help you get intervention before your hearing gets worse.
Hearing loss is a common condition affecting approximately 466 million people globally. This number is projected to reach 900 million by 2050.
Hearing naturally declines with age, and many people in their 60s or 70s experience some degree of hearing decline. The thing is, hearing loss can occur at any age. This is why it’s very important to be aware of various signs of hearing loss so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.
In this blog, we will explore five common signs of hearing loss that you should be aware of.
Difficulty Understanding Speech
Hearing loss can affect one’s ability to understand speech, especially in environments with substantial background noise. A person with hearing difficulties may also find it challenging when speaking with someone who has a high-pitched or soft voice. Differentiating between similar-sounding words like “bear” and “pear” may also be a struggle.
Withdrawal from Social Situations
Hearing difficulties can lead to social isolation because it may be challenging to participate in conversations with others. People with hearing loss may feel embarrassed or anxious about having to ask people to repeat themselves often and choose to avoid social situations altogether. Untreated hearing loss can decrease enjoyment of social activities, significantly affect relationships, and lead to depression or anxiety.
Increased Volume of Media and Electronic Devices
A person with hearing loss may turn up the volume on televisions, speakers, or smartphones to compensate for their decreased ability to hear. If you find yourself sitting closer to speakers or holding phones closer to your ears, you might need to get a hearing test. This can be a sign of hearing loss and should not be ignored.
Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus is a condition that brings a perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears without an actual external source. Ringing in the ears may manifest with hearing loss, and an audiologist can create a personalized treatment plan that can address hearing loss and tinnitus.
Difficulty Hearing in Noisy Environments
Being in a crowded and noisy room can make hearing difficult. Even people with normal hearing may find it challenging to hear clearly in this kind of situation. Hearing loss can make it extra challenging to hear in places with lots of people talking and background noise, such as parties, restaurants, or crowded streets. It may be difficult to keep up with conversations and you may end up missing out on important information.
Experiencing signs of hearing loss? Seek professional help ASAP!
If you or a loved one experiences any of these signs, schedule an appointment with an audiologist as soon as you can.
Untreated hearing loss can negatively affect your quality of life and may lead to isolation, cognitive decline, depression, social withdrawal, and anxiety.
Audiologists can recommend various treatment options such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices. Early intervention can help a lot in maintaining relationships and ensure that the quality of life is not affected negatively.
Audiologists in Littleton, CO
While hearing loss is a common condition, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing, starting with addressing any signs of hearing loss promptly.
Don’t let hearing loss keep you from living your best life! At Columbine Hearing Care, we want to help you stay connected to what matters most. We provide excellent hearing care services in Littleton, CO.
Schedule an appointment with us today!