Hearing loss is a very serious issue, but is not always noticed right away by those who have it. Common symptoms of hearing loss are often brushed aside by those who experience them, and in many cases, that person’s friends and family pick up on the signs before they do. There are two main categories of the signs of hearing loss, and if you or someone you know is displaying any of them, it’s important to get a hearing test as soon as possible.

1. Inability to Hear Sounds

Most of the problems associated with this category are based on the volume and frequencies of sounds. You may be able to understand sounds perfectly well, but have trouble hearing them. This often means you have to ask someone to speak louder, or turn up the volume on the TV (see hearing impaired tv settings). If you yourself, or someone you know, tends to have their electronics and personal devices turned up to excessive volumes, they may have symptoms of hearing loss.

2. Inability to Understand Sounds

You may be able to hear things at the volume they are originally at, but you may not fully understand what is being said or played. This often manifests in having to have things repeated to you multiple times, or in misinterpreted communication. Those with signs of hearing loss often think that their friends are simply mumbling or hard to understand, and dismiss any hearing damage. They may even avoid social situations because communication becomes so difficult.

Another common symptom of hearing loss is tinnitus, and this can be separate from the other main categories. As a tinnitus overview, when exposed to loud noises, your ears may begin to ring( or make other strange sounds such as popping, whistling, and etc.) If this is prolonged or adds up over time, damage can be inflicted to your hearing.

If you experience any of these signs of hearing loss, schedule a hearing test immediately, and talk to an audiologist or hearing instrument practitioner about the next step. Further hearing loss can be prevented easily once you seek help for it.

Source: Momentumblog.bcm.edu