The Early Signs of Hearing Loss You Should be Looking Out For

Hearing loss is a health condition that comes in several different forms, each of which has different causes. However, the most common cause of hearing loss is the aging process (our hearing capability decreases in strength as we age). Moreover, our genetics tend to play a major role in determining whether we will suffer from weakened hearing or not. Another form of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, occurs when an individual is exposed to loud sounds (for example, listening to music above 85 dB), for prolonged periods of time. Although the forms and intensity of hearing loss can vary, the process itself is usually gradual and occurs over a period of time. 

When hearing loss occurs over a period of time, the majority of people do not quite realize the onset of their issues until it’s too late. And, while hearing loss that occurs as a result of natural causes cannot be avoided, it is still important to know and put into action preventive measures that can slow down the damage and preserve your hearing. 

Below are some signs that can help you watch out for hearing issues.

1. Difficulty following conversations: 

A lot of people tend to blame their inability to keep track of conversations to the speakers’ unclear tone, background noise or pace of words. While these factors do make it hard for us to comprehend words clearly, a factor that we do not consider is our own diminishing ability to hear sounds. For example, failing to understand a conversation over a dinner table might mean you have hearing issues.

2. Hearing on the telephone becomes hard

When the in-call volume is turned up to the max and you’re still not able to hear what the person on the other line is saying to you, it is a sure fire sign that your hearing strength is diminishing with time. To check your hearing strength, try keeping the in-call volume at 70 percent and see if you can hear the other person clearly. If you cannot, it’s time you consult an audiologist and set up an appointment for a hearing test. 

3. The TV volume is consistently turned up

While many of us are in the habit of keeping the volume of the TV a little too high whenever our favorite program is on, doing so on a regular basis might suggest you are suffering from hearing loss. For example, if you’re watching TV and the people around you complain about the volume being too high, you might be suffering from hearing loss. 

The signs mentioned in this article are those that we tend to ignore easily. Yet, although we might not take these into account, they are important indicators to gauge the health of your hearing. Moreover, when not dealt with quickly, these signs can turn into permanent hearing loss.