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Have you noticed any recent changes to your hearing health? Do you think you may have hearing loss, but aren’t quite sure how to identify the signs of hearing loss? If you’ve been struggling to hear, it’s important that you recognize the signs of hearing loss as soon as possible and seek treatment. Early intervention will mean you’ll easily adjust to your new devices, and be doing the right thing both for your hearing health, your career, and your quality of life.
Listen to Your Loved Ones
You may think you’d be the first person to notice if you have hearing loss. After all, who knows you better than you know yourself? Surprisingly, when it comes to hearing your loved ones will probably notice your hearing loss before you do. Hearing loss is a gradual process, and you probably will not notice the subtle day-to-day changes in your hearing health. Your brain will make small adjustments to how you hear, and you won’t realize right away that your hearing isn’t very sharp anymore. Your family will be the ones to comment that you don’t seem to be as engaged in conversations, that you struggle to hear on the phone, or that you’ve been asking them to repeat themselves more often.
If your loved ones have been asking you questions about your hearing health, take it very seriously, and book an appointment for a hearing test.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Hearing Loss
The symptoms of hearing loss can be difficult to spot at first, but if you’re paying attention to your hearing and your health, you’ll soon notice the symptoms of hearing loss.
When was the last time you heard the birds chirping outside, or the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind? Have you been turning up the volume on the TV or phone, and straining to hear your favorite programs? How many times this week have you missed the ringing of your alarm clock, or failed to hear the stove timer announcing that dinner is ready? Have you started avoiding going out to restaurants or meeting friends in groups because you just can’t follow the conversations?
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you have hearing loss. Without treatment, these symptoms will continue to get worse, and interfere more and more with your daily activities. If you’ve been experiencing two or more of these symptoms, you should book a hearing test as soon as possible, and discover your unique hearing loss and hearing needs.
Experiencing a Breakdown in Communication
One of the most common signs of hearing loss is a breakdown in communication. Whether you’re in a one-on-one conversation with a loved one, or in a larger group setting, hearing loss makes it harder to follow conversations. If you’ve been asking people to repeat themselves, and struggling to understand what’s been said, you have hearing loss. You might not be willing to admit that you’re struggling to hear, and blame others for mumbling, or speaking too softly. However, if you think everyone is mumbling, there’s a good chance the problem is with your ears, and not with your friends.
Reduced Quality of Life
Another sign of hearing loss is a reduced quality of life. Do you feel embarrassed to meet your friends because you can’t hear clearly, and choose to stay home rather than going to events you used to love? Do you feel socially isolated, and struggle to communicate with loved ones? Living with untreated hearing loss affects your quality of life, since you’re not able to participate fully in the things you enjoy. Those with hearing loss also face a lot more stress at work and among their peers. Not only that, but if you have hearing loss struggle, you may have conflict in your closest relationships, as your hearing loss leads to a breakdown of communication.
Palm Beach Hearing Associates
At Palm Beach Hearing Associates, we’re here to help. The average American takes between 5 to 7 years to identify their hearing loss and seek treatment. Don’t be part of that statistic! Treating hearing loss early will give you energy for the important things in your life, and help you hear the voices that matter the most. Visit us today and do the right thing for your hearing health, your relationships, and your future.