Loss of hearing doesn’t happen overnight, so you may not recognize the tell-tale signs that you need support. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 430 million people worldwide suffer from disabling hearing loss. These figures only point to recorded cases, meaning the actual figure may be much higher. Paying close attention to your hearing is essential because the correct support can prevent deterioration; find out more below.
Constant Need for Repetition
Mishearing people is perfectly normal, but should you be asking every other person to repeat themselves? The chances are that you’re asking for people to repeat themselves on autopilot, so you may need to take a step back and pay close attention the next time you’re talking to someone. Alternatively, you can speak to your loved ones and ask for their opinions.
Difficulty with Phone Calls
Phone calls aren’t always easy to hear, especially if you’re in patchy signal areas or you have the in-call volume turned down for some reason. However, if you’ve got full connectivity and volume and you still struggle to hear phone calls, you may need to have your hearing checked over. You may not recognize any problems at first, especially if you turn the loudspeaker on for every call. If this sounds familiar, you need to look inwards and ask yourself if you’re turning it on because you’re unable to hear the audio.
Having Your TV Too Loud
A loud TV will harm your hearing over time, but you may not realize it’s too loud if your hearing has already deteriorated. The only way you will know that your TV is too loud is if someone tells you. For example, if your neighbors get fed up with feeling as though they’re in the same room as your TV, they’ll probably knock on your door in frustration.
If you have a modern TV, you can easily solve the problem by using a high-quality set of Bluetooth headphones, which will allow you to set the volume without disturbing others. Alternatively, you can invest in hearing aids from www.phonak.com/en-us/hearing-devices/hearing-aids, where you can take an online hearing test as well.
Pretending to Understand
Speech is often accompanied by body language, which can help to pick up context. Without realizing it, you may be using context cues to engage in conversations. Additionally, when you communicate, you will likely offer vague answers to avoid getting caught out. If you struggle to keep up with conversations, perhaps it’s time to search for a solution.
People Always Talk Softly
People speak at different volumes and pitches, and everyone hears those differently. If your hearing is damaged, you may note that everyone is talking softly – even when they’re not. The next time you’re conversing, make note of the voices. If all participants sound soft – ask yourself what the chances are.
Hearing loss is common, but it isn’t always easy to recognize, especially if coping mechanisms have become second nature. If you notice any of the signs, it’s time to seek professional support.
