Hearing loss can happen to anyone. Today more than 38 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. Here are some of the signs to watch for yourself or your loved ones that could indicate hearing loss:
- Some people can sound like they are mumbling. Does that sound familiar?
- Difficulty hearing friends or family on the telephone is another sign of hearing loss.
- Family and friends start to comment that the TV is too loud—and they are not just talking about the commercials.
- Sometimes, those with hearing loss misunderstand what people are saying, causing some ideas, sentences or thoughts to not make sense.
- Hearing loss can make it difficult to focus on and follow conversations. Have you noticed this happening for yourself or a loved one?
- Exhaustion or headaches at the end of a day can be another sign. This may be caused by the extra work it takes to hear the surroundings.
- Difficulty following a conversation if two or more people are talking at once can be another symptom.
- Noisy environments can create further difficulty hearing conversations. If you notice that it's no longer a pleasure to eat out at loud restaurants or bars, this could be the reason.
- Women’s and children’s voices can be particularly hard to hear.
Remember, hearing loss occurs gradually. It’s not unusual for people to accommodate and ignore these signs. If more than two or three of the following scenarios apply to you or someone you care about, it would be a good idea to get your hearing tested. Make every day count: see a hearing care professional today and take back control of your life.