Sometimes, it’s easy to recognize when you require medical help. You know you need to go see a doctor right away if you break a bone, for example. With scenarios like this, simply “toughing it out” isn’t a possibility. If you want your bones to heal correctly, you need to get them treated as soon as you can.
It isn’t always that clear cut when it comes to hearing aids, though. Hearing loss is normally a progressive condition. This means recognizing when to get treatment for hearing loss can be difficult.
So watching out for indications that your hearing may be going is a good plan. It’s probably time to call us for a consultation if you do detect any.
Hearing aids and hearing loss
Hearing aids are the primary method of treatment for hearing loss. But everybody who has some degree of hearing loss won’t automatically need hearing aids. Hearing aids won’t always be practical in cases of mild hearing loss. Because of this, we might want you to wait before beginning to use them. Likewise, you may be advised to wear hearing aids only in certain situations.
This means that just because you are diagnosed with hearing loss doesn’t mean you will automatically require hearing aids.
But in many instances hearing aids will be the best answer. Because hearing loss can be a sneaky and gradual condition, lots of people don’t receive a diagnosis until there’s been considerable damage. Getting your hearing examined regularly is the key to catching hearing loss early and possibly mitigating the need for hearing aids.
And if that’s the situation, you’re most likely thinking: how can I tell if I require hearing aids?
Signs you need a hearing aid
Hearing loss is one of those conditions that can produce instant communication problems. The funny thing, though, is that you don’t always realize that those communication obstacles are caused by hearing loss. So, when is it time for a hearing aid?
Watch out for these indicators:
- Phone conversations sound muddled: Even the highest quality phone speakers tend to flatten a voice. That can make it hard to understand, especially if you have hearing loss. Again, specific frequencies are missing and the result is that it’s very hard to hear those voices.
- The volume on your devices is getting really loud: Hearing loss could be the culprit if you continually need to turn the volume of your devices up. If you find individuals around you complaining about the loud volume of your devices, this is especially relevant.
- You have problems understanding what people are saying: Many individuals don’t think they have hearing loss or need hearing aids because the total volume they perceive seems fine. But the thing about hearing loss is that certain frequencies of sound often go before others. Due to this, things like vowel sounds in the higher pitches can sound distorted. As a result, you may have a tough time understanding what people are saying to you.
- When you’re in very loud settings, you have a difficult time following conversations: This is probably one of the most common symptoms of hearing loss. One of the surest indications of hearing loss is that you have trouble following conversations in loud places, like bars or restaurants. That’s because your brain has trouble filling in the missing information that gets lost with hearing impairment. Lots of conversations get muddled because of this.
So how should you deal with it?
When you break a bone, it’s clear cut what to do: you go see the doctor! But what about when you experience these indications that you might need a hearing aid? How bad does hearing loss have to be to require a hearing aid? That isn’t a really easy answer but you should make an appointment with us for a hearing exam if you begin to experience any hearing loss symptoms. We will be able to inform you about how severe your hearing loss is.
And if you do end up needing hearing aids, a hearing exam will help determine the best device for your hearing needs. Then you will be able to get back to enjoying good conversations with your friends and loved ones and doing the things you love.
Give us a call to schedule your hearing exam, we can help you understand if you’re suffering from hearing loss.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
