Hearing loss; how to identify

It is a tricky thing to finally come to terms with the fact you have a hearing loss, but we’re here to tell you (again!) that in doing so you can get the help you need to hear properly again. It is estimated that around 1 in 6 of the population are living with a hearing loss; that equates to around 11 million people!

Addressing a hearing loss

On average, it can take up to 10 years for a person to address their hearing loss. There are many reasons for this huge time period; sometimes it takes a while to notice there is a problem with your hearing and usually it is a loved one who notices first. Hearing loss is a progressive condition so the earlier treatment can begin, the better for the individual. Often people will comment that they wish they had started treatment earlier! By treatment, we mean seeing an audiologist and having hearing aids prescribed. The earlier into your hearing loss you can begin to use hearing aids, the easier the transition will be for you.

Some symptoms to look out for

Sometimes it isn’t very easy to pinpoint the moment you realised you had a hearing loss or even to notice at all. Hearing the TV a little less is normally a good indicator; perhaps you feel that you are turning the volume up all the time or the people around you are commenting on how loud it is. Some people say they just begin to experience life a little less vibrantly. However, there are lots of different symptoms you may notice:

• Asking people to repeat themselves often
• Finding group conversations difficult to follow
• Telephone conversations are difficult
• People remark on how loud your TV or radio is
• You struggle with conversations when there is a high level of background noise, particularly in cafes or restaurants
• It seems as though people are mumbling when they are speaking to you
• Identifying the direction a sound came from is difficult
• Avoiding social situations because you are worried you won’t keep up with the conversation
• People, particularly those closest to you, have suggested you have a hearing loss

See an Audiologist

If you think you’ve experienced even just one of these symptoms, it really is worth seeking the help of a hearing healthcare professional so that you can have a hearing test. They will be able to give you a definitive answer as to whether you do have any hearing loss or if you are experiencing something else, such as an earwax build up, that is affecting your hearing. If you do have a hearing loss, they will be able to talk you through which hearing aids would be most beneficial for your hearing loss and you will be able to try out some different aids.

The sooner you book in for that hearing test, the sooner you can begin your journey to better hearing once again. Give us a call today!

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