Did you know it takes us on average over 7 years to take action against our hearing loss? In that time there are many signs and symptoms that we unnecessarily put up with that effect our overall wellbeing. Recognising the symptoms of hearing loss in yourself or someone you know is the first step to improving your hearing. The real problem is often that we do not act on our hearing loss early on.
The common symptoms of hearing loss often occur gradually, and because they’re not always immediate they may take some time to become noticeable. You may have realised your hearing has impacted daily activities such as being with family or going to work. Or perhaps a family member or friend has brought the symptoms to your attention.
If you, or your friends and family experience one or more of the signs below you should have your hearing tested by a hearing specialist. You may have hearing loss if:
SOCIALLY
- You think that others are mumbling
- You have to strain to hear when someone talks or whispers
- You have difficulties following conversations in a group
- You frequently ask others to repeat themselves
- You have difficulties hearing someone call you from behind or from another room
- You need to watch a speaker’s lips more closely to follow the conversation
- You find it hard to keep up in meetings, in restaurants, or in lectures
- You tend to limit your social activities because it’s difficult to hear and communicate
- Family, friends, or colleagues mention that they often have to repeat themselves
ENVIRONMENTALLY
- You prefer to have the TV or radio on a high volume
- You find it hard to hear on the telephone or swap the ear you hold the phone to in order to hear better
- You have difficulties hearing at the theatre, cinema or other entertainment venues
- You find it hard to hear in noisy environments like in the street, car or loud restaurant
- You miss sound cues like doorbells, alarm clocks and smoke alarms
EMOTIONALLY
- You feel stressed from trying to hear what others are saying
- You feel annoyed at other people because you can’t hear or understand them.
- You feel embarrassed or nervous to meet new people or from not hearing what others are saying.