Hearing loss is common, affecting approximately 48 million people across the U.S. Yet despite its prevalence, many people put off seeking treatment. In fact, only one in five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wears them. If you suspect you may have hearing loss, know that early intervention yields the best results.
We’ve compiled the top five signs it’s time to treat your hearing loss.
1. You Constantly Feel that Others Are Mumbling
When you lose your hearing, it’s often the high-frequency sounds that are the first to go. This includes consonants like s, f, v, sh, ch and th, which means only vowel sounds are being picked up by your ears. Therefore, a sentence like “The fish’s name is Sallie” may sound like “uh i name i allie,” which would lead you to believe the speaker is mumbling.
2. You Have Trouble Talking on the Phone
People with hearing loss – even mild hearing loss – rely on visual cues like lip reading, facial expressions and gestures to understand what is being said. When talking on the phone, these essential cues are missing, making it difficult.
3. You Can’t Carry a Conversation with Background Noise
Any environment with a lot of background noise – like High Cotton at rush hour – is notoriously difficult for people with hearing loss. This is because your conversation partner’s voice blends in with the sounds of other people speaking and dishes clinking together, making it impossible to make out what they’re saying.
4. You’re Having Memory Problems
One study published in June 2019 sought to uncover whether hearing loss and memory problems are connected. They found that among older populations, hearing loss is linked to poor memory as well as psychological distress and outdoor activity limitations. In addition, untreated hearing loss has linked to a greater risk of dementia in many studies.
5. You Turn Up the TV Much Louder than Others Like
One of the most common complaints among the families of people with hearing loss is that they turn up the TV too loud. It’s not surprising given that most shows and movies layer dialogue over music and sound effects.
If you exhibit any of the signs listed above, it’s time to schedule an appointment with an audiologist. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the experts at The Hearing & Balance Center today.