While some people experience sudden hearing losses, the process for most is incremental. You may be having hearing issues and not realize it’s happening at first. Before you assume the worst, it makes sense to schedule an appointment with a hearing doctor and find out what’s happening. Here are some signs you should make that appointment now.
You’re Having Trouble Understanding Everyone in Group Conversations
Lately, it seems as if following all the people talking in a group conversation is difficult. In times past, it was easy to understand every word. This was true even when two or more people were talking at once.
Given how difficult it is to participate in those conversations, you’ve started to refrain from situations where group conversations arise. That’s not helping your social life or your frame of mind. Now is a good time to determine if a hearing problem is why you can no longer understand everyone.
People Complain That the Volume is Too Loud
Whether it’s listening to recorded music or watching television, it’s easy to get into the habit of turning up the volume without realizing what’s happening. It’s only when others begin to complain about how loud things are that you suspect there may be a problem.
Try adjusting the volume to a level that everyone else believes is sufficient. How well can you hear? If it’s a strain to make out anything, that indicates some sort of hearing issue. A professional can determine the origin and what can be done about it.
It Seems as If Everyone Has Started to Mumble
Even in conversations between you and one other person, it seems as if other parties have begun to speak in hushed tones. At times, all the words seem to run together, almost as if everyone has started to mumble rather than speak clearly.
The problem is that no one else seems to have any trouble understanding one another. Could it be that they are speaking clearly but you’re not able to hear them as well as in the past? A visit to a hearing doctor will provide the answer.
You Don’t Always Hear When People are Talking to You
When facing someone, you seem to be able to carry on a conversation with relative ease. The problem is that if someone is standing behind you or at a distance, you can’t hear them speaking or calling out. That’s different from times past when it was easy for someone to be on the other side of the room and you could hear every word they were saying.
The fact is that something has happened to reduce the acuity of your hearing. It could be something as simple as an infection or possibly a buildup of ear wax. There’s also the potential that it could be something more serious. The only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with an audiologist and undergo some tests as well as an ear exam.
Remember that your loss may be due to some factor that can be corrected. Once the exam and the test results are evaluated, the doctor will go over the treatment options with you. In the event that you have experienced some degree of hearing loss, being fitted for hearing aids could allow you to enjoy conversations along with all the other things that you’ve enjoyed in the past.
