You know you’re feeling cranky these days but you’re not really sure why. Well, it was annoying earlier today when you felt left out of the meeting at work. The other night your daughter seemed irritated with you when you asked her to turn up the volume of the TV over and over again resulting in her abruptly leaving the house. What’s the story with that?
Did you ever stop to think that maybe you could be experiencing hearing loss?
As you age hearing loss can sneak up on you and over 40 million people in the US suffer with it. And the problem goes beyond just your ears. Research indicates that even minor hearing loss puts you at risk for memory problems, dementia, and even depression. You might have a treatable medical condition causing your hearing loss but you think it’s simply a sign of aging. Perhaps, your co-workers didn’t leave you out of the conversation after all, maybe you missed crucial conversational queues because you couldn’t hear them. Honestly, it can be extremely aggravating when you can’t hear during your day-to-day life.
Get the facts about hearing loss
A good place to begin is discovering more about what you’re coping with. For many individuals, hearing loss is a natural side effect of growing older. But years of exposure to excessively loud noise can also be the cause for others. Everything from the music you listened to when you were 16, to driving with the window down in traffic, to mowing lawns and cleaning up leaves with that loud leaf blower could contribute to a loss of hearing. The world is full of potentially ear-damaging sound that can deteriorate the delicate mechanisms that help you hear.
Chronic diseases that become more prevalent as one grows older are a possible factor as well. High blood pressure, for instance, or diabetes can both interfere with blood flow, which can cause damage to the inner ear.
Recognize the signs
People generally don’t recognize when their hearing begins to go because hearing is frequently taken for granted:
- When individuals are conversing, you always feel left out
- Struggling to understand words when there is background noise like a fan or the AC
- You regularly say “what” and often need people to repeat what they said
Naturally, you’d be cranky if you’ve been struggling with any of these signs! Depression and social solitude can be the outcome of feeling detached from your world.
Managing hearing loss
One of the very first things you can do is ask family and friends if they have observed you having a difficult time hearing. It might seem like a difficult discussion but it’s a really worthwhile one. If the answer is ‘yes’ then scheduling a hearing test should be your next move and will simplify things for you. Try to get a family member to go along with you to your exam. It can be helpful to have a calm and supportive presence with you.
Your hearing test will not only help to establish your hearing loss but it will also gauge the extent of it. Depending on the results of your exam, we will be able to figure out your best plan going forward. Usually, hearing aids will be a major part of the treatment plan. Don’t worry, there are so many choices and features that you’re sure to find hearing aids that are perfect for your lifestyle!
How to pick quality hearing aids
We’ll have suggestions that will be best suited for your distinct type of hearing loss. Take some to time determine the right brand and model for your needs, this could require testing several styles and models. Hearing aids don’t simply amplify sound nowadays. They can block out background noises, connect to smartphones and computers, and even determine the direction of a sound. Different brands and types of hearing aids include different features, so research them to find out what features you need to better your life.
And, remember to think about styles. They come in many snazzy colors or with no color at all, so they’re practically invisible.
If you think you’re suffering from hearing loss, schedule an appointment with our qualified hearing specialists today. It’s time to get out of that cranky mindset and we can help!
References
https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-america/
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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.
