Sometimes, it’s easy to recognize when you require medical help. You know you need to go to the doctor immediately if you break a bone, for instance. With scenarios like this, simply “toughing it out” isn’t an option. At least, not for very long (particularly if you want your bones to mend themselves properly).
But with regard to hearing aids, it’s not always so simple to recognize when it’s time to get some help. Hearing loss is typically a developing condition. This means recognizing when to get treatment for hearing loss can be tricky.
That’s why it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for some distinct signposts that you might be losing your ability to communicate. If you observe any, it might be time to consult us about your first set of hearing aids.
Hearing aids and hearing loss
Hearing loss is mainly managed with hearing aids. But everyone who has some degree of hearing loss won’t necessarily need hearing aids. Hearing aids won’t always be beneficial in cases of minor hearing loss. Consequently, we may want you to wait before starting to use them. In addition, you might be directed to wear hearing aids only in particular situations.
In other words, the threshold for requiring hearing aids is not always a hearing loss diagnosis.
But in many cases hearing aids will be the best option. Because hearing loss can be a sneaky and slow condition, lots of people don’t get a diagnosis until there’s been substantial 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 case, you’re probably thinking: how can I tell if I require hearing aids?
Signs you need a hearing aid
Instant communication issues can be the result of hearing loss. The funny thing, though, is that you don’t always comprehend that those communication issues are due to hearing loss. So, at what point will a hearing aid help?
Watch out for these indicators:
- You listen to the radio or TV at really loud levels: If you’re continuously turning the volume up on your television or radio or smartphone, it may be because of hearing loss. If you find individuals around you complaining about the loud volume of your devices, this is especially true.
- You have a difficult time following conversations in loud places: When people ask, “What are the signs of hearing loss?”, this one is almost always mentioned. One of the surest signs of hearing loss is that you have trouble following conversations in loud settings, like bars or restaurants. This happens because your ears aren’t receiving as much information as they used to, and your brain isn’t really capable of filling in the gaps very easily. A lot of conversations get muddled because of this.
- When people speak, you can’t always understand what they said: Many people 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 particular 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 might have a tough time making out what people are saying to you.
- You can’t understand people on the phone: Even the best phone speakers tend to flatten a voice. If you have hearing loss, this can make it even more difficult to understand conversations. It can be extremely difficult to hear voices as an outcome of the loss of these frequencies.
So what can you do?
Obviously, you know precisely what you need to do when you break a bone! But what about when you detect these indications that you may need a hearing aid? How bad does hearing loss have to be to call for a hearing aid? That isn’t a very easy answer but you should make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you begin to detect any hearing loss symptoms. We will be able to let you know how severe your hearing loss is.
And if you do wind up needing hearing aids, a hearing exam will help identify the best device for your hearing needs. This means you’ll be able to get back to communicating with your friends and loved ones, you’ll hear your grandkids when they give you a call, your co-workers at your morning meeting, and your friends at the pub.
Call us for a hearing exam so we can help you improve your quality of life.