What are Symptoms of Profound Hearing Loss?

It’s not always easy to tell when someone has a hearing loss. Sometimes people will try to hide the fact that they’re having difficulty hearing, either because they’re embarrassed or they don’t want to seem old. However, there are some warning signs that you can look for if you think someone might be experiencing profound hearing loss. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common symptoms of profound hearing loss. We’ll also talk about how to get help if you think someone might be struggling with their hearing.

Difficulty Understanding Speech

One of the most noticeable symptoms of profound hearing loss is difficulty understanding speech, even when the person is talking in a normal volume. This can also manifest as difficulty following conversations or needing to ask people to repeat themselves repeatedly. For example, someone with profound hearing loss may miss words in sentences or not hear certain sounds like th or s.

Loud Sounds Are Distorted or Unpleasant

People with profound hearing loss may be overly sensitive to loud sounds and find them distorted or unpleasant. They might also experience pain or discomfort when exposed to loud noises. For example, they may be unable to attend a loud concert or find themselves covering their ears or turning away from the sound.

Problems Localizing Sounds

People with profound hearing loss often have difficulty localizing where a sound is coming from, making it hard for them to identify the source of a noise. For example, they may have difficulty telling which direction a car is coming from or locating where a person is speaking from in a room.

Tinnitus

Many people with profound hearing loss report experiencing tinnitus or ringing in their ears. Tinnitus can be distracting and make it difficult to concentrate on tasks. For example, they may find themselves frequently distracted by the ringing in their ears while trying to read or watch TV.

Feeling of Isolation

Profound hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation due to not being able to fully participate in conversations or follow along with what people are saying. This can lead to depression and anxiety.

Social Withdrawal

Another symptom of profound hearing loss is social withdrawal, as it can be difficult for people to engage in conversations or follow along with a group discussion if they have difficulty understanding what people are saying. This can lead to further feelings of isolation and depression.

How to Get Help

If you think someone might be experiencing profound hearing loss, it’s important to get them checked out by an audiologist. A qualified audiologist can help diagnose the cause of their hearing loss and recommend treatment options such as hearing aids or other assistive devices. It’s also important to provide emotional support to those with profound hearing loss, as they may feel isolated or depressed due to their condition.

By being aware of the symptoms of profound hearing loss, you’ll be able to better recognize if someone is having difficulty understanding what people are saying and provide them with the help that they need. Getting help early on can make a big difference in improving their quality of life and helping them stay connected with those around them.