Hearing loss is a condition that affects far too many people. It is caused by noise and aging, as well as by certain diseases and a tendency to have bad genes.
People with hearing loss have trouble carrying on conversations and understanding their doctors’ instructions, among other setbacks. Ignoring a hearing problem can make it worse, but there are treatments, including surgical procedures and the use of hearing aids.
Signs of Hearing Loss
1) Having Trouble Following Conversations
If you have trouble following conversations, especially in noisy environments, it could be a sign of hearing loss. You may be able to hear certain words, but not the entire sentence.
This is the most obvious sign of hearing loss. If you’re having trouble keeping track of what people are saying and understanding what they are saying, then you may have some degree of hearing loss.
2) Distracted By Background Noise
Background noise is getting louder, even when you’re right in the middle of a conversation. If this happens to you, then it’s a sign that you might have hearing loss.
If you have background noise in your surroundings, it could be very hard for you to concentrate on the conversation. This can become a serious problem for you, as you are trying to carry on conversations that require you to be able to listen.
3) Cannot Hear Over the Telephone
It could be hard for you to hear when you’re talking on the phone. Even if you have a louder speaker phone, it could mean that you have a hearing problem. This could happen if you have a hearing loss.
Hearing loss can affect your ability to carry on conversations over the phone. This can be a problem because it’s unlikely that you’re going to be able to get people to repeat themselves over the phone.
Kinds of Hearing Loss
1) Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden hearing loss occurs when you go from being able to hear normally to suddenly having trouble hearing. This is one of the most severe cases of hearing loss.
Sudden hearing loss is the sudden inability to hear due to a medical condition such as a head injury or a ruptured eardrum. This type of hearing loss is sudden and hard to notice, as it usually happens when you are sleeping or when you are already in a state of unconsciousness.
2) Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss is a gradual process that usually happens as you get older. It usually starts with hearing problems, like trouble hearing in a noisy setting.
This type of hearing loss is the most common, especially among adults. The process is gradual, and it may start when you’re in your 20s or even younger. It usually happens as you age.
3) Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a ringing in the ears that is worse when you are in a quiet place. This condition is not really a hearing loss, but it’s still a condition that can affect your life.
You can get tinnitus when you’re exposed to loud noises, or you may get it as you age. It’s a condition that could be a precursor to hearing loss, but it’s not the same as hearing loss.
Conclusion
You may have hearing loss if your hearing is starting to fade, or you are having trouble in noisy places or when you’re on the phone. Hearing loss can be gradual or sudden, but it can become a problem if you don’t address it.
Take a free hearing test in Lexington to ensure that you are on top of your hearing health. Hear More Associates is home to many hearing experts who are always ready to help you out. Consult with us today!
