Hearing is arguably one of life’s greatest blessings, which is why hearing loss can be a terrifying prospect for everyone. In many situations, this condition may be treated to restore the benefits of clear hearing. On the other hand, an audiologist cannot assist you unless the problem is recognized. This is why, if you discover symptoms of hearing loss, you should have a hearing test.
It might be difficult to diagnose hearing loss, especially if you don’t know what a healthy ear should sound like. Consider having your hearing checked if you notice any of the symptoms listed below.
1. You Have a History of Noise Exposure
If you work in a noisy setting or have a pastime that exposes you to a lot of noise, such as attending concerts or shooting, you should schedule a hearing test to have your hearing evaluated for noise damage.
Your audiologist can evaluate the extent of the damage and if the hearing loss is permanent. If this is the case, you might think about getting hearing aids. Hearing aids are now small, scarcely visible bits of technology that may do far more than just help you hear better.
Your audiologist will configure your hearing aids to increase the volume of noises you can’t hear while decreasing the volume of those you can, providing you with a custom hearing solution. Modern hearing aids may also be linked to your television, smartphone, and computer.
2. You Are Struggling to Hear Speech
Have you ever had to ask someone to repeat themselves because you simply could not understand what they were saying? If you have, it’s possible that you may have a hearing disorder.
In this case, a hearing test is essential to find out exactly what’s wrong. Your audiologist will assess the degree of your hearing loss, which will help determine whether you need medical treatment, such as prescription medication, or whether you are a good candidate for a hearing aid.
3. You Have Diabetes
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing ototoxic complications. This occurs when high blood sugar levels lead to increased glucose production in the inner ear, causing damage to the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain.
As a result, high blood sugar levels lead to hearing loss and tinnitus.
If you are struggling with diabetes, book a hearing test to assess whether you need to adjust your blood sugar levels to prevent ototoxicity.
4. You Keep Turning Up the Volume Too Much
If you’ve been told that you’re cranking up the volume too high on the television or with your music, this might be an early indicator that your hearing is deteriorating. When it comes to entertainment, everyone has a favorite audio level, but it’s a frequent symptom of hearing loss when those around you comment on the volume you’ve chosen.
5. Ringing in Your Eyes (Tinnitus)
If you hear ringing, buzzing, or even screaming sounds in your ear, especially after being exposed to a loud noise, this might be an early symptom of hearing loss. If the ringing persists for an extended period, it may be an early indicator of tinnitus. Tinnitus affects 40 to 50 percent of seniors with hearing loss, and the two are closely associated in terms of symptoms.
Conclusion
When it comes to your hearing, the only way to really know what you’re missing is to get your hearing tested to assess any problems and find out how bad they are. Fortunately, if there is a problem, there is a solution.
You can either take medication to reduce the ringing in your ear (tinnitus) or consider getting a hearing aid to help you hear better. Many seniors choose to use hearing aids to improve their quality of life, giving them relief from the symptoms of hearing loss and allowing them to enjoy the things they love doing the most.
Prevention, as they say, is much better than a cure, which is why you might want to consider scheduling a hearing test at Hear More Associates. Our hearing consultant in Massachusetts is committed to determining whether you have hearing loss, its causes, and choosing a suitable treatment. Schedule an appointment today!
