Recognizing when you require some medical advice is usually rather easy. When you break a bone, for example, you know you should go to the doctor (or the emergency room, depending on the situation). You could need a splint or a cast or supportive device, but the point is that you’re unlikely to try “toughing it out”. At least, not for that long (especially if you want your bones to repair themselves correctly).
But with regard to hearing aids, it isn’t always so simple to recognize when it’s time to get some assistance. Hearing loss is usually a developing condition. This means it’s not always simple to know when you may need to start using hearing aids or to delay seeking treatment you know could be beneficial.
That’s why it’s a good idea to watch out for some specific indicators that you might be losing your ability to communicate. It’s likely time to call us for a consultation if you do notice any.
Hearing loss and hearing aids
Hearing loss is primarily treated with hearing aids. But everyone who has some level of hearing loss won’t necessarily need hearing aids. In cases where patients have very slight hearing loss, hearing aids won’t always be helpful. We might want you to hold off on using hearing aids as a result. In addition, you may be directed to wear hearing aids only in specific situations.
This means that just because you are diagnosed with hearing loss doesn’t mean you will necessarily need hearing aids.
But in many situations hearing aids will be the best answer. Because hearing loss can be a sneaky and gradual condition, many individuals don’t get a diagnosis until there’s been significant damage. Getting your hearing assessed 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 cause instant communication challenges. The interesting thing, though, is that you don’t always comprehend that those communication difficulties are due to hearing loss. So, when is it time for a hearing aid?
Look out for these signs:
- You have a tough time hearing conversations in noisy places: When people ask, “What are the signs of hearing loss?”, this one almost always comes up. One of the surest indications of hearing loss is that you have difficulty following conversations in loud settings, like bars or restaurants. This happens because your ears aren’t getting as much information as they used to, and your brain isn’t really able to fill in the gaps very easily. Because of this, there’s a lot of muffled conversations.
- You listen to the radio or TV at high volumes: If you’re continuously turning the volume up on your television or radio or smartphone, it might be due to hearing loss. If you find people around you complaining about the loud volume of your devices, this is especially true.
- You’re unable to understand people on the phone: Even the highest quality phone speakers tend to flatten a voice. If you have hearing loss, this can make it even harder to understand conversations. Once again, certain frequencies are missing and the outcome is that it’s really difficult to understand those voices.
- When people talk, you can’t always make out what they said: Many people don’t think they have hearing loss or need hearing aids because the total volume they hear seems fine. But hearing loss is funny, it tends to impact particular frequencies before others. Because of this, things like vowel sounds in the higher register can sound distorted. As a result, you may have a tough time understanding what people are saying to you.
So what can you do?
Clearly, you know precisely what you need to do when you break a bone! But what about when you experience these indications that you may need a hearing aid? What degree of hearing loss requires hearing aids? Well, that’s hard to answer, but when you start detecting these symptoms, it’s a good plan to schedule an appointment with us. We will be able to inform you about how serious your hearing loss is.
A hearing test will also help you get the optimal hearing aids for your needs if you do indeed need hearing aids. Then you will be able to get back to enjoying good conversations with your friends and family members and doing the things you love.
Call us for a hearing exam so we can help you improve your quality of life.
