Hearing loss signs
CAN’T HEAR THE CONVERSATION WHEN OUT WITH FRIENDS, OR FINDING PHONE CALLS A STRUGGLE? IT COULD BE TIME TO GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED…
THERE are all sorts of clues that your hearing isn’t as it should be – like struggling to grasp conversations in noisy restaurants or feeling tired just from listening. Specsavers expert James Thomas reveals the signs that may indicate you’d benefit from a simple, stressfree test with his experienced team.
1. Loved ones let you know
Friends and family may tell you you’re not hearing as well as you once did. They may also start to comment that you’ve got the TV volume on too high or you’re playing music too loudly; you’re shouting, or you’re not listening.
2. You’ll struggle to hear familiar sounds
Sounds you’re used to hearing easily become hard to distinguish – such as dialogue on TV or at the cinema. Not being able to pick up high-pitched sounds, such as your grandchildren chattering or birds singing, is a sign you have high-frequency hearing loss. Missing more subtle noises like timers and car indicators also points to this kind of hearing issue. Struggling to hear deeper male voices, low-pitched music and phone conversations means you could have low-frequency hearing loss.
3. You develop coping strategies
You cup your ear and physically lean into conversations to hear better, especially in groups and busy places like restaurants and stations, when you struggle to understand what people are saying. You’ll also find you’re asking them to repeat themselves. You might start to avoid social situations you used to relish, like evenings out with friends or family get-togethers.
4. Listening tires you out
You experience “listening fatigue”, when you’re struggling to hear, which is tiring and stressful. You’ll strain to grasp what people are saying, focusing on their lips and trying to read them. All this can sap your energy.
5. You feel isolated
People who are suffering hearing loss, and haven’t addressed it, may start to withdraw from social situations and isolate themselves to avoid listening fatigue and the embarrassment of not being able to follow conversations. But you needn’t let hearing loss stop you living your life to the fullest – visit a Specsavers audiologist for help.