Having Signs of Hearing Loss? Here’s What to Do Next
Most Common Signs of Hearing Loss
How to Recognize the Signs of Hearing Loss
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I know if I have hearing loss?”, we’ve got you covered.
Age-related hearing loss often comes on slowly, making it hard to notice or easily explained away, blaming it on background noise, being tired, or not paying attention.
However, if you notice the common signs of hearing loss below, it’s time to make an appointment with a hearing care specialist who can help:
- Asking people to repeat themselves and/or accusing them of mumbling.
- Having a hard time following conversations in noisy environments, but also in quiet ones.
- Constantly turning up volume on the TV, phone, or car speaker, while others are turning it down.
- Feeling tired and drained after socializing and conversation.
- Misunderstanding what is being said. For example, you may hear “cat” instead of “cap” or “sixteen” instead of “sixty.”
- Cancelling plans or activities, or isolating yourself due to the fear of not being able to hear well.
Why Early Action Makes a Difference
Treating Hearing Loss Sooner Can Protect Overall Health
Untreated hearing loss can affect your brain health
While most people think of their ears when it comes to hearing, it’s actually the brain that interprets sound. That means that hearing loss creates an ear-to-brain domino effect.1
Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins University explains that when the brain isn’t regularly stimulated, it can shrink, as it’s no longer receiving the signals it needs to stay active.2
That’s why hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline.² Treating hearing loss as early as possible can help protect your hearing and brain health for the long term.
Acting early helps you stay social and independent
Untreated hearing loss can cause a person to isolate and avoid activities they once enjoyed. This is often due to fear of embarrassment in conversations or during activities.
Treating hearing loss can keep you social and independent, giving you energy and keeping your brain active so you can keep up with every conversation and activities you love.
The longer you wait, the harder it can be to adapt
As we age, it’s harder to change routines, learn new things, and adapt to new technology - and hearing aids are no different.
The longer you wait to try hearing aids, the harder it can be for your brain to adapt to hearing sounds it hasn’t heard in years.
The earlier the hearing loss is treated, the faster you can get back to hearing your best.
What to Expect During the Appointment
A hearing screening usually takes about an hour and is completely painless. Your hearing specialist will ask you some questions to get to know you and your hearing health.
Next, in a acoustically calibrated or sound-treated room, you'll wear headphones and listen for and acknowledge specific tones. The specialist will guide you every step of the way.
An audiogram will show you how well you're hearing certain frequencies.
Bring a loved one for support and clarity
It’s a good idea to bring a friend or family member to the appointment, not only for support, but also so they can be your second set of ears.
They can help recall some of your hearing challenges, provide the doctor with a full picture, and help you remember what the doctor said during the appointment.
Questions to Ask Your Hearing Care Provider
It’s a good idea to write your questions down in advance so you don’t forget what you need to ask while you’re there. Here are some important questions to get you started:
- What type of hearing loss do I have, and what’s causing it?
- Is my hearing loss permanent, and can it be treated?
- Would hearing aids help me? If so, which type is best for my needs?
- How much do hearing aids cost, and what’s included in the price?
- Are there any financing options or insurance coverage available?
- How should I care for my hearing aids?
- How often should I have my hearing checked?
- What features or accessories can help with specific challenges, like hearing in noise or on the phone?
I’ve Been Diagnosed With Hearing Loss, What Now?
What Happens if Hearing Loss Is Confirmed?
- 1.
Understanding your results
You’ll review your hearing test (audiogram) together. The provider will explain the type, degree, and likely cause of your hearing loss. - 2.
Exploring treatment options
If your hearing loss is treatable, they may recommend hearing aids or medical treatment for issues like earwax or infection. - 3.
Choosing the right hearing aid (if needed)
If hearing aids are appropriate, you’ll discuss styles, features, and technology levels that best match your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. - 4.
Fitting and adjustment plan
You’ll be scheduled for a fitting, where the devices will be customized to your hearing profile. Follow-ups are usually planned to fine-tune comfort and performance. - 5.
Support and follow-up care
Ongoing care may include maintenance, troubleshooting, hearing aid cleanings, and periodic hearing checks to monitor any changes.
Key Takeaway
Summary
Seeking out professional hearing care as soon as you notice hearing loss symptoms is key to catching concerns early, making them easier to treat.
From online hearing tests to professional hearing screenings, these tools put the power in your hands so you can take control of your hearing health.
Don't wait!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common early signs of hearing loss?
Some of the most common signs of early hearing loss are:
- Asking people to repeat themselves and/or or accuse them of mumbling.
- Having a hard time following conversations in noisy environments, but also in quiet ones.
- Constantly turning up volume on the TV, phone, or car speaker, while others are turning it down.
- Misunderstanding what is being said. For example, you may hear “cat” instead of “cap” or “sixteen” instead of “sixty.”
How do I know when it’s time for a hearing test?
Is hearing loss permanent?
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of permanent hearing loss, caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve from aging, loud noise exposure, or genetic conditions.
While this type of hearing loss is permanent and can’t be cured, it can be treated with hearing aids and, in some cases, a cochlear implant.
Will I definitely need a hearing aid?
If you’re diagnosed with permanent hearing loss that can be treated, a hearing aid most likely will be recommended to restore your hearing ability.
It’s important to get a professional hearing test for an accurate diagnosis before treating any hearing loss you may be experiencing.
How long does it take to adjust to hearing aids?
Sources
1 Cleveland Clinic: “New Research Highlights Connection Between Hearing Loss Interventions and Cognitive Decline.” https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/new-research-highlights-connection-between-hearing-loss-interventions-and-cognitive-decline
2 Johns Hopkins Medicine. "The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss." https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
