Hearing loss is more common than most people think. It affects about one in five Americans. So, do you know the six most common signs? Don’t worry if you don’t, by the end of this blog, you will. So let’s get started.
1. Conversations in crowds are harder to follow
Following a conversation, especially in noisy environments or in group situations, can be difficult for someone with a hearing loss. Busy restaurants, big family gatherings, and sporting events are just a few examples of situations that can become challenging as hearing ability diminishes.
2. Phone calls are tricky
For someone with a hearing loss, talking to someone on the phone can be hard as they don’t have any other visual cues to help them understand what is being said. Faced with relying solely on their hearing, phone calls become something to avoid. When they do answer the phone, they may find themselves swapping ears often in an attempt to hear the conversation more clearly through the other ear. Â
3. Women and children are harder to understand
This is because women and children tend to speak at higher sound frequencies than men. It is often the ability to hear these higher sound frequencies that is first lost when hearing loss begins.
4. The volume is turned up
Whether it’s the TV, a cell phone, or mp3 player, an early sign of hearing loss is the volume on these devices being turned up higher than before, often to volumes that aren’t comfortable for those with healthy hearing.
5. Headaches are more common
Struggling to hear sounds all day puts a strain on the brain and can result in more frequent headaches. Headaches can, in turn, cause tension to build up in the neck and shoulder areas.
6. Exhaustion and irritability become normal
The stress of missing parts of conversations with friends, family, and work colleagues, the trouble caused by frequent misunderstandings, and the strain of frequent headaches can all lead to daily exhaustion, frustration, and irritability.
Now that you know the six most common signs of hearing loss, you may have realized that someone you care about is struggling with their hearing. Or perhaps, these signs are resonating with you personally. In either case, there is expert help available to improve you or your loved one’s hearing health.
Help with your hearing at Beltone
Our highly trained Hearing Instrument Specialists at Beltone Hearing offer comprehensive hearing tests. If we find that hearing aids are the most appropriate treatment, we can provide you with a range of modern Beltone hearing aids to choose from, with styles to suit your particular needs and preferences.
Visit any one of our 42 offices across Ohio and Michigan to get your hearing health back in shape. Click here to find your nearest Beltone Hearing.
