How to Recognize Hearing Problems?

Would you know if you or someone you know was experiencing hearing problems? Most people would probably like to think that they would know if they started to lose their hearing. However, it can be easy not to notice, to misunderstand what's happening or even to be in denial. If you don't know what it's like to experience hearing loss, recognizing the signs isn't as simple as you might think. If you know what to look for, you can have an easier time recognizing hearing problems, whether it's in you or someone else. Hearing loss can be addressed, and the sooner you get your hearing checked out, the better.

Here are some of the top signs that you might be experiencing hearing problems.

Following conversations is difficult

Talking to other people is an important part of anyone's life, so when it gets harder, you can quickly start to realize that something has changed. One of the ways you could find it hard to join in with conversations is if there are multiple people talking at once. It can become difficult to follow along with the conversation if your hearing isn't as good as it used to be. If you start feeling lost, it could be due to hearing loss.

Using the phone is harder

Speaking to people on the phone is often necessary too, whether it's for work, you're talking to a friend, or you need to pay a bill. Because you can't see the other person talking, it can be more difficult to understand what they are saying. You might have turned up the volume on your phone to try and hear people better, or you could be struggling to hear people on the other end.

You need to turn the volume up loud

Your phone might not be the only thing that you turn up. When you are having hearing problems, you can start to turn up the volume on TVs, radios, speakers and other devices. You might not notice this yourself, especially if you turn up the volume gradually over time. But a family member, friend, or even neighbor might point out that you have the volume turned up louder than normal.

Socializing tires you out more than normal

When you have hearing loss, you may have to concentrate harder than usual to be able to understand what people are saying. This means that when you're talking to others, especially when you're in an environment with a lot of background noise, you can find yourself getting tired. A takes a lot to focus so intensely and strain to hear people, leaving you both physically and mentally tired.

You often ask people to repeat themselves

Do you often say what? or pardon? when people are talking to you? If you have to ask people to repeat themselves all the time, it could be because you can't hear them well – not because they're speaking quietly. It's normal not to hear someone sometimes, especially if they're far away, speaking softly or not facing you. However, if you regularly need to get a repeat of what someone says, it could be hearing loss.

You misunderstand people

Misunderstanding what someone says is often just awkward and perhaps a little embarrassing. However, there are some occasions when it could be dangerous to misunderstand an instruction or warning. If you feel like people have started saying strange things around you, it might be because you are having trouble with your hearing. High-frequency hearing loss is common and can be the cause of misunderstandings.

Women and children are harder to hear

Being unable to hear specific frequencies is common in hearing loss. Higher frequencies, in particular, can become difficult to hear, especially as you get older. This means that women and children, who tend to have higher-pitched voices, can become harder to hear when they are talking.

It's difficult to hear in crowded places

A lot of background noise can make it more difficult to listen to specific sounds. You might find that you have strain to hear things when you're somewhere busy, like in a mall, restaurant or meeting room.

Have a hearing test

The only true way to find out if you have hearing problems, and the extent of the issue is to have a hearing test. A hearing test will help you to determine if you have any hearing loss and what solutions, such as hearing aids, could help you.

Find out more about Portland Audiology Clinic by taking a look around our website or by contacting our office at (503) 227-3668.