Do They Have Hearing Loss?

As we all get older it is almost inevitable that we will all have some form of hearing loss. But sometimes it may seem that someone you know has worse hearing than they should. That they just never seem to hear you right; that you constantly have to repeat yourself no matter where you are. You may be wondering why this is happening or if you are even correct in thinking that there is something more going on. Here are some things to think about when it comes to someone you know having hearing loss and how you can determine if perhaps there is a larger problem.

• Loud Environments. How are they in loud environments? Do they withdraw? Do they constantly have to ask you to repeat yourself even though others heard what was being said? Do they avoid loud environments? Watch their body language. Are they open and engaging or withdrawn and quiet? Watch their interaction with others and the environment. Are they open and engaging talking up a storm and having a good time or are they quiet and withdrawn pulling back and seeming to want to go home? Do they make the comment that it is too loud and that they cannot hear anything? That it is just a loud jumbled mess of noise?
• Quiet Environments. How are they in quiet environments? Are they withdrawn or are they engaging? Are they more responsive in this type of environment? Are you still asked to repeat yourself more than you think that you should? Ask yourself what other noises are present in the quiet environment that may be impeding on the other persons hearing. Are you speaking too softly? Are you talking face to face? Are they frustrated with not being able to hear your voice properly even though you are talking in a quiet environment?
• Voices. Everyone has a pitch to their voice. Some are high and some are low. A person with hearing loss will tend to have problems hearing higher pitched voices such as women and children, but are more likely to not have a problem with lower pitched voices such as a man’s.
• Sounds. Do you hear sounds that they cannot? Can you hear the hum of the fridge but they cannot or maybe whistle of a leak in the tire? Monitor and ask what they can and cannot hear at times.

Another thing to consider is their work lifestyle; that is, what they did as a career. Those having worked in the trades are more likely to have a hearing loss due to lack of hearing protection in previous years. Also, extra-curricular activities could play a factor such as hunting or some sports such skydiving or water skiing. If you do suspect that a person may have hearing loss talk to them. Be supportive as it can be hard for someone to come to terms and to accept that they have hearing loss. Encourage them to seek treatment from an audiologist in their area.