How to Know It’s Time for Hearing Aids – It’s not always easy to know when you’re experiencing hearing loss. You might blame different problems you encounter on your environment or how other people speak. However, there can be several signs pointing toward hearing loss being a genuine problem that you might need help with. If you can relate to any of these situations below, it might be time to make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Everyone Speaks Too Softly
As daunting as going out with hearing aids can be, you might know you need to see a specialist about the necessity for them when you frequently encounter people who speak too softly. In fact, it can sometimes seem like everyone you meet is softly spoken, and you might not always catch what they’re saying.
Holding conversations might be challenging, and you might even become frustrated with the people you’re speaking with. However, it’s unlikely that every person you encounter will have a soft voice, so seeing a specialist for a checkup might be necessary to diagnose hearing loss.
Holding Phone Conversations Is Difficult
If holding face-to-face conversations is difficult, you might also find that phone conversations are. Callers might sound distant, quiet, or even muffled. Over time, friends and family might know how to improve phone conversations with you, such as by speaking directly into the mouthpiece and calling from a quiet environment, but hearing aids might also enhance the experience and boost your phone calling confidence.
People Say Your TV Is Too Loud
Most people have their TVs on at a level that’s comfortable for them to hear what’s being said. When you have hearing loss, you might not realize that the ‘comfortable’ level for you is deafening for anyone else. If people visiting your home have remarked on how loud your TV is, take note. They might have sensitivity to noise, or you might be experiencing hearing loss and don’t even realize it.
Social Situations Are Overwhelming
Social situations can be overwhelming for many people, especially those experiencing anxiety. However, hearing loss might be to blame if you’re becoming increasingly avoidant of social outings because communicating with others is challenging.
Many people with hearing problems struggle to block out the background noise in public environments and hear the people directly in front of them. When you’re faced with having to ask people to repeat themselves, it can sometimes seem easier not to put yourself in that situation at all.
You’re Relying On Reactions and Expressions
Humans are remarkably resilient, and we can compensate for weakened senses by relying on our stronger ones. In the case of hearing loss, you might find yourself relying on people’s reactions, facial expressions, and cues to piece together what they’re saying or to get the gist of a conversation.
This coping mechanism might help you in some situations, but not all. Rather than compensating for possible hearing loss, seek an appointment with an Ascend hearing specialist to see if they can help.
Hearing loss is nothing to be embarrassed about, but it can take some people a long time to admit it’s a problem. If you can relate to any of these situations above, now might be the right time to seek expert help.
