Even though experiencing hearing problems can feel like an isolating experience, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Around 15% of Americans over the age of 18 have some trouble hearing.
But how do you know if you’re experiencing normal issues or whether you’re going through hearing loss? You’ve come to the right place for help on when to know if it’s time to get your hearing checked.
Read through this short guide to learn about the most common signs that indicate that it’s time to test your hearing.
1. You Have a Hard Time Hearing in Noisy Environments
When you’re out in a place with a large crowd or a lot of background noise, it’s not uncommon to have trouble hearing. However, if you find that you can’t distinguish the difference between someone talking and normal background sounds, then it could be a sign of a problem.
In that case, it’s best to schedule a hearing test to help determine the extent of the issue.
2. You Often Ask People to Repeat Themselves
It’s normal to not understand what someone said every once in a while. But, if you notice that you’re asking people to repeat themselves more often than not, you could be experiencing hearing loss. This is especially true if you have a hard time hearing people with a higher voice frequency like women or children.
The good news is that by going to the doctor, they can give you a diagnosis and teach you more about the best hearing aids available on the market.
3. People Tell You That You Talk Too Loud
One common sign of hearing loss has nothing to do with how you hear other people and everything to do with how you talk. When you start to experience hearing issues, your normal talking voice might start to sound too low to your own ears. To compensate, you’ll start talking louder, so your voice sounds like it’s at a normal level.
For the people around you, however, it will sound like you’re talking much louder than normal. If people start to tell you to lower your voice regularly, it’s time to book an appointment with an audiologist.
4. Your TV Volume Is Very High
Have the people in your family given you a funny look when you reach for the remote to turn up the television volume? Since TV shows and movies often have background noise and music playing at the same time as dialogue, it’s hard for those with hearing problems to make out what’s being said, leading them to turn up the TV beyond normal volume levels.
If you’ve started to notice you’re doing this, it’s a sign that you need to get your hearing tested and potentially explore the possibility of getting a hearing aid.
Don’t Put Off Getting Your Hearing Checked
If you start to notice any of the signs we’ve outlined above, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with an audiologist to get your hearing checked. They’ll be able to walk you through your test results and talk to you about options that might help you regain your hearing.
Interested in reading more lifestyle content like this? Check out our other articles before you go!