Do You Hear That? Here Are 5 Things to Know before Asking a Doctor, "Do I Have Hearing Loss?" Find Out More In This Post
Keyword(s): do i have hearing loss
Are you worried that you may have hearing loss? Around 48 million Americans (or 20 percent of the population) have some level of hearing loss. That includes people who may not be aware of it.
Before you ask your doctor "Do I have hearing loss?", know that there are some telltale signs that your hearing is not as strong as it could be. Here are five ways to know you're suffering from hearing loss.
1. Conversations Are Hard to Follow
If you're constantly asking others to repeat themselves or speak up and conversations have become difficult to follow, this is often a sign that you have hearing loss.
You may struggle to follow a conversation when more than one person is speaking. Other people may sound like they're mumbling or speaking way too softly when in fact they're speaking normally. You're attempting to read lips so you don't miss words during conversation.
People with hearing loss may also strain to hear and understand children and women speaking. This is because their voices usually register at a higher frequency than those of adult men.
You may also find it nearly impossible to hear anyone speaking next to you while in a noisy public place, such as a restaurant. People with hearing issues usually find that the background noise drowns out regular conversation.
Movies may also be difficult to hear. It becomes difficult to enjoy a film if you can't hear the actors' conversation on the screen. The same goes for theater performances and public speakers.
The loss of being able to enjoy regular conversation is a concern as it causes people with hearing loss to withdraw socially. You may find it's easier to avoid other people and social situations. This can lead to depression and isolation, so definitely have your hearing checked.
2. You're Cranking the Volume Up
Most of us love cranking up the audio and rocking out to our favorite music. But if loved ones or visitors are noticing (or complaining) that the volume on your TV, radio, or entertainment system seems louder than normal all of the time, this is a warning signal of hearing loss.
You may find that you're adjusting the volume of your phone in order to hear the conversation. If you also find you're relying too much on the closed captioning feature on your TV or have to use it even when the volume is low, that means you should look into getting your hearing checked.
3. People Are Getting Frustrated around You
Hearing loss compromises relationships. If other people are avoiding you or get frustrated because they need to repeat sentences or speak louder, this definitely means you have hearing loss. Sometimes, you may just nod and say "yes" because you didn't hear what was actually said to you, but you want to avoid embarrassment.
In turn, you may find you're getting frustrated with loved ones because you're having a hard time hearing them.
It can be a tough situation for everyone involved when a loved one can't hear properly. They may not be willing to be honest with you and let you know that your lack of hearing is straining the relationship.
4. You Mishear Words
When you're hard of hearing, it's easy to confuse words that sound alike, such as "frog" and "fog" or "meet" and "eat." Sentences may take on a whole new meaning when you can't hear properly. Your brain will fill in inaudible words with ones that sound similar.
This can cause frustration with other people when they have to repeat what was said.
5. You No Longer Hear Everyday Background Sounds
Many people often take for granted the everyday sounds that have become commonplace to daily living. These may be the sounds of birds chirping, a cat meowing, a clock ticking, and traffic going down the street. If you've noticed you're no longer hearing these sounds like you used to, you may have hearing loss.
If you can't hear sirens when you're driving or other alarm signals, this can create a dangerous situation. You should schedule a hearing test right away.
Do I Have Hearing Loss? What to Expect at Your Doctor's Appointment
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's likely that you have hearing loss. A general physician will be able to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing it by examining your ears. If all looks well, the next step is to see an audiologist - or a doctor of audiology. An audiologist can perform the proper tests to determine how severe the hearing loss is and if one ear is more affected than the other. They can make recommendations for affordable hearing aids and other solutions that promote healing.
Above all, just realize that there's nothing to be ashamed about regarding hearing loss. It's a common condition that affects a lot of American adults, particularly those who are older. Having your hearing restored sooner rather than later will help improve your healthy quality of life and allow you to enjoy social interactions again.
Learn More about Hearing Loss and Which Hearing Aids Can Help
Now you don't have to ask yourself "Do I have hearing loss?" after reading about these symptoms. If one or more of these signs apply to you, it's important to see an audiologist so you can learn more about your level of hearing loss and which hearing aids can help you. Here at Nano, we're dedicated to helping restore hearing and quality of life in those with hearing loss. Learn more about our hearing aids, their features, and which ones are right for you.
Meet Robert Carlson. Founder of Nano Hearing Aids
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Hereditary Hearing Loss — Everything You Need to Know