Nov 5, 2009
Signs Of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss usually develops slowly over many years. Sudden hearing loss is often immediately evident, but gradual hearing loss can be more difficult to recognize. Some signs of hearing loss can indicate the presence of hearing loss.
One of the most recognized signs of hearing loss is the need to have to volume of television and radios turned up higher than usual. In some cases, this change can be enough for people to identify the problem.
Social signs of hearing loss make social interaction more difficult. Early social signs include having trouble hearing conversations in environments where there is significant background noise such as in restaurants.
Conversation can sound muffled or the person may need others to repeat themselves often. Women and children can be more difficult to understand than other people if the hearing loss is affecting higher frequencies.
People with hearing loss may make errors in conversation such as answering a question that they misheard. Sometimes, people with hearing loss will concentrate on watching the persons face or lips while speaking to them.
Social situations can become sources of stress for people with hearing loss. Individuals with hearing loss may become isolated and avoid social situations.
Emotional signs of hearing loss are not widely known. Hearing loss can cause frustration for the person with the hearing loss and their friends and family. People with hearing loss can be embarrassed by mistakes they made in conversations or by needing people to repeat themselves.
People with hearing loss may become angered or annoyed at people who they have difficulty understanding. Straining to hear conversation can become aggravating or stressful.
The person may become nervous about certain social situations. They may fear misunderstanding people and any awkwardness that can create.
Since hearing loss can happen very gradually and slowly, the persons family may notice the hearing loss even before the person with hearing loss recognizes the problem. People experiencing hearing loss, they should consult their doctors for diagnosis and referral to an audiologist.
