Both gradual and sudden hearing loss can occur in day-to-day life, and knowing how to recognize hearing problems is key to addressing any ear-related issues as soon as possible. Of course, once you notice something has changed with your hearing, you’re going to want your quality of life to return to normal as soon as possible, and not knowing what to do next can be frustrating.
That’s why it’s so important to know what’s going on with your hearing and how it might have changed recently. And while this can be difficult to track, the points in this article are here to make watching out for these symptoms a lot easier on you. So here are some of the most common signs of a hearing problem you’ll want to look out for.
Difficulties hearing in noisy areas
When you’re out and about, do you find it difficult to distinguish between background noise and what someone you’re with is saying to you? This can be a sign of hearing loss. Of course, a bustling street can make it hard to focus, but this shouldn’t be a chronic issue.
Not being able to focus on the conversation happening in front of you can be a sound processing issue, and you may need a hearing test conducted to check your speech perception skills.
Needing someone to repeat what they said
Are you often asking someone to repeat what they’ve just told you? Maybe you’ve had to ask two or three times in the past? Of course, the embarrassment that arises from this situation can cause you to simply pretend you heard what someone said, but the issue may run deeper than this.
Not being able to understand people regularly, even when they’re talking directly to you, can be a sign of hearing loss. If you notice yourself having to ask for something to be repeated daily, this is a symptom to note down.
Fatigue from concentrating during conversations
Do you feel fatigued after just one or two conversations with your partner? Feeling ‘drained’ after usual socializing can often be a hearing issue. An audiologist will take this symptom as a rather conclusive sign that you’re living with hearing loss of some level.
Indeed, if you’re often tired out after participating in a normal, casual conversation with people you know and love, it shows that you’re having to put all of your energy into focusing on sound, which isn’t typical of people without hearing loss.
Watching TV or listening to music on high volume
Are you used to watching TV with the sound turned up high? Maybe the neighbors have complained before? Maybe your loved ones are always asking you to turn it down? But when you do, you struggle to hear what’s being said.
This can be another sign of a hearing problem. Watching TV or listening to music at a volume that no one else in the house requires can be a big indicator that your hearing level has changed. Check in with others in your home and ask about their volume needs.
One ear hears better than the other
Maybe you’ve noticed that one of your ears can hear better than the other? Indeed, hearing loss in just one ear is quite common, and if you have difficulty listening to a person when they talk into your left ear, but you’re fine hearing them with your right, it’s a sign you need a hearing test.
Don’t panic if you notice that you have the volume in one ear higher than in the other. Simply get in touch with an audiologist to talk about the issue, and your concerns can be taken from there.
Get in touch about your hearing concerns
Hearing problems can affect us at any time in our lives, but they become more and more of a concern as we get older. If your mind is currently concerned about how well you hear, it’s time to get in touch with an audiologist to talk about what happens next. And here at Professional Hearing Solutions, we can put your mind at rest via one of our hearing tests, which are always conducted in a safe and comfortable manner.
So, call us at (386) 265-4769 to book your appointment with one of our experienced audiologists today. We’re here to help you find the solution you need for your potential hearing problems, and we’ll work together until you’re happy with your care.
