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Do You Need a Hearing Test? Here’s What You Should Know

by | Feb 16, 2021 | Hearing Loss Articles

“Man

Your last family dinner was frustrating. It wasn’t because your family was having a tough time getting along. The issue was the noise, which was making it difficult to hear anything. So you didn’t get the details about Nancy’s promotion, and you didn’t have a chance to ask about Jay’s new puppy. It was irritating. Mostly, you blame the acoustics. But you’re also willing to accept that your hearing could be starting to wane.

It can be very challenging to self-diagnose hearing loss (that’s why, generally, it’s not recommended). But there are a few early warning signs you should keep your eye on. When enough of these red flags spring up, it’s worth making an appointment to get checked by a hearing professional.

Hearing Loss Has Some Early Warning Signs

Not every sign and symptom of hearing loss is evident. But if you happen to find your own experiences reflected in any of the items on the following list, you just may be dealing with some level of hearing loss.

Some of the most prevalent early signs of hearing impairment might include:

  • You have a tough time hearing conversations in a crowded or noisy place. In the “family dinner” example above, this specific thing happened and it’s certainly an early warning sign.
  • Someone makes you aware that you keep turning up the volume on your media. Perhaps you keep turning the volume up on your mobile device. Or perhaps your TV speakers are maxed out. Typically, it’s a friend, neighbor, or a member of your family that makes you recognize the escalating volumes.
  • There’s a ringing in your ears: This ringing, which can also be the sound of screeching, thumping, buzzing, or other noises, is technically known as tinnitus. Tinnitus is often an early warning sign of hearing loss, but not always so if you have a ringing in your ears, a hearing exam is most likely in order.
  • Certain words seem harder to hear than others. This warning sign frequently appears because consonants are starting to sound similar, or, at least, becoming harder to differentiate. Normally, it’s the sh- and th- sounds that are muffled. It can also commonly be the p- and t- sounds or the s- and f- sounds
  • You have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds. Things like a ringing doorbell or a whistling teapot sometimes go unnoticed for several minutes or more. Early hearing loss is typically most noticeable in specific (and often high-pitched) frequencies of sound.
  • You often need people to repeat what they said. This is particularly true if you’re asking several people to slow down, repeat what they said, or talk louder. You may not even realize you’re making such frequent requests, but it can certainly be an early sign of diminishing hearing.
  • Certain sounds seem so loud that they’re intolerable. This early warning sign is less prevalent, but hyperacusis is common enough that you may find yourself encountering its symptoms. It can be an early sign of hearing loss if certain sounds seem really loud particularly if it lasts for an extended period of time.
  • Phone calls suddenly seem muffled and hard to comprehend: These days, because of texting, we use the phone a lot less than we once did. But if you’re having problems comprehending the phone calls you do get (even with the volume cranked all the way up), you may be dealing with another red flag for your hearing.

    • Next Up: Take a Examination

    You still can’t be certain whether you’re dealing with hearing loss even if you are encountering some of these early warning signs. You will need to get a hearing test to know for sure.

    Generally speaking, even one of these early warning signs could be evidence that you’re developing some type of hearing loss. What level of hearing impairment you may be dealing with can only be determined with a hearing test. Then it will become more evident what needs to be done about it.

    This means your next family gathering can be a lot more enjoyable.

    Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

    The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.