Hearing loss is a progressive condition that slowly worsens over time. If you have experienced any of the following situations, this is your sign that it is time to get a hearing test. Once your audiologist has determined your type and degree of hearing loss, they can work with you to put together an individualized treatment plan.
Below are the top four signs you need a hearing test.
You Have Trouble Hearing in Noisy Places
Carrying on a conversation with one other person in a quiet area is one thing, but trying to participate in a multi-person conversation in a busy restaurant, such as the Iowa Barbecue Company, is another situation entirely. For someone with hearing loss, it can be hard trying to distinguish speech from background sounds.
Not being able to hear and participate in the conversation can be very isolating. This is one of the reasons why untreated hearing loss has been linked to feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness.
You Turn the Television Volume Up Too High
Being able to hear the conversation on the small screen in crucial to following the plot of your favorite show or movie. Unfortunately, musical scores and background noise can make it hard to hear a character’s empowering speech. In order to hear, you may find that you are turning the volume up to an unsafe level. While this may be a good volume for you to be able to hear, it can hurt the ears of those you live with when they are trying to watch with you.
You Ask People to Repeat Themselves
Not being able to hear someone is perfectly normal. Having trouble hearing most people is not. If you find that everyone sounds like they are mumbling and you are constantly asking others to repeat themselves, this is a good sign you need to have your hearing tested.
You Have Trouble Talking on the Phone
Over the last year, most of our social interactions have moved online. But talking on the phone can be challenging for someone with hearing loss, as they often have to compete with a lot of background noise and a poor connection.
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 5% of the world’s population requires rehabilitation to address their hearing loss. You are not alone. If you think you may have hearing loss, now is the time to do something about it.
To learn more about treating your hearing loss or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, contact Hearing Health Centers today.