As Better Hearing and Speech Month nears, (May), it is always a good idea to reflect on what are some of the signs of hearing loss. Not only should we think about loved ones, but also ourselves and are we doing everything we can. Not only is it a good idea to check in with our primary care physicians once a year, but don’t forget your ears!
The most obvious signs of hearing loss are:
- Requiring frequent repetition
- Thinking that other people sound muffled or like they are mumbling
- Having your TV or radio turned up to a high volume
- Answering or responding inappropriately in conversations
- Having difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like conferences, restaurants, malls, or crowded meeting rooms
- But, the following are also signs of hearing loss feeling stressed out from straining to hear what others are saying depression
- Withdrawing from social situations that you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing
- Memory loss
Frank Lin, PhD reported in February, 2011, in Archives of Neurology, that “Compared with volunteers with normal hearing, those with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss had twofold, threefold, and fivefold, respectively, the risk of developing dementia over time”.
As with anything, and hearing loss is no different, early intervention is best. Here at Gardner Audiology we will do a free hearing aid screening to determine if you are a candidate for hearing aids. If you are a candidate, and ready to try hearing aids, we will loan you a set to try for thirty days.
Remember, any hearing loss, even mild hearing loss if negatively affecting your life; is serious and should be addressed.
