Signs of Hearing Loss
Symptoms and signs of hearing loss are not always obvious as it is generally a gradual process.
Maybe you’ve started to notice that your hearing isn’t as good as it used to be. Or perhaps there’s a little truth to your friends and family suggesting you get your hearing checked.
If you’re concerned about your hearing, or think someone close to you may have hearing loss, here are some common signs of hearing loss to look out for.
Hearing self-check list
Read through these statements and assess honestly whether they apply to you.
- I often ask others to repeat themselves
- Friends and family tell me the television or radio is too loud
- I have a history of exposure to noise in my workplace
- People sound like they mumble a lot
- I have to exert effort to concentrate on what people are saying
- I find myself straining to hear
- I tend to turn one particular ear to the television
- I have difficulty hearing when there is a lot of background noise. For example, in restaurants, shopping malls or at large gatherings.
- I struggle more with female or children’s voices
- I cannot tell which direction sound is coming from sometimes
- I prefer to sit on a certain side of the table because I hear better from one ear
- People tell me I speak loudly
- In a quieter environment, I find it difficult to hear from a distance
- I sometimes miss the doorbell or phone ringing
- I have a family history of hearing loss
- I take medication that can harm my hearing
- I have a constant ringing/tinnitus in my ears
If you find one or more statements to be true, you may be experiencing some signs and symptoms of hearing loss. Seek advice from a Freedom Hearing audiology professional.
How hearing loss can feel
You may not realise that you are doing the above things, but perhaps you relate to these feelings:
- Exhaustion or fatigue after being in noisy environments
- Confusion in a conversation especially with misunderstanding what others are saying
- Frustration trying to follow conversations with two or more people at the same time
- Avoiding or not enjoying going to social functions in crowded or noisy environments
- Sensitivity to sudden loud noises