Hearing loss is at an all time high with the condition affecting millions of Americans today, with a staggering one third of them leaving it untreated and continuing their daily lives. It can have a profound impact on those who suffer and their loved ones. With the huge advancements that have been made in the hearing health care industry, there really is no need to suffer. Hearing loss can come on gradually, so the signs and symptoms can be hard to notice in the early stages, but here are a few things to look out for:
Headaches and fatigue
The concentration required to keep up with conversations and the things going on around you can put a significant strain on the brain, which can lead to headaches becoming more common. You can also find yourself feeling drained and worn out much faster, again, due to much higher levels of concentration required for everyday scenarios.
Higher sound frequencies are more difficult
Usually, when you develop a hearing loss, higher frequencies are the first sounds we start to lose. Things, such as certain ring tones, bells, and alarms can be harder to hear. Even speaking with women and children can become harder since they tend to speak at higher frequencies than men.
“Pardon?”
It can be frustrating, not just for the sufferer but also those they are trying to talk to, when you are constantly having to ask people what they just said. If you find yourself frequently having to ask people to repeat themselves, then this is a good indicator that you may be suffering from a hearing loss.
You’re shouting or not talking loudly enough
With hearing loss comes the inability to gauge how loud you, yourself, are speaking. This can come with family and friends having to tell you that “there’s no need to shout!” quite often. However, some people can go the other way and speak very quietly, leading others to have to ask them to repeat themselves!
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition in which you experience an irritating ringing or buzzing in one or both of your ears. This can, quite frequently, accompany hearing loss.
Telephone conversations are hard
People who suffer from a hearing loss use other methods of working out what someone is saying by reading their gestures or watching their face and lips. Conversations can become much trickier when this is taken away and this can make phone calls particularly difficult, especially when it comes to a poor connection on the line.
Do any of these sound familiar? If so, then maybe it is time to book yourself a hearing test. Here at SLENT Hearing & Balance in Mandeville, we are more than happy to help. To schedule your hearing test, just click here.
