Hearing loss is much more common than most people realize. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 25% of the world’s population will experience hearing loss by the year 2050.
Access to hearing healthcare is a huge issue. Many insurers require patients to go through a gatekeeper to access their hearing benefits. This is not true for other professions like optometry.
With the recent announcement from WHO, this will be changing and will allow Medicare patients direct access to audiologists.
First Signs of Hearing Loss In A Loved One
Hearing loss can develop gradually over time, and as such, people learn to live with it. Below are some glaring signs that a loved one is dealing with hearing issues.
Responding Incorrectly — Responding to a question with an answer that doesn’t make sense indicates that your loved one may not have understood but is trying to answer anyway.
“Pardon me” — Asking people to repeat themselves more often is a definite first sign.
Not engaging — A group setting can be a very intimidating place for a person who has a loss of hearing. If you find your loved one holding back in group settings or avoiding them altogether, then it could indicate that they are experiencing a progressive loss of hearing.
How to Identify Hearing Loss With Yourself
It can be hard to admit, but if you are experiencing any of these signs, then it may be time to schedule a hearing assessment.
Public Setting — Difficulty hearing in a restaurant or other similar gatherings is a common first sign of hearing loss.
Familiar People — You might start asking your family or close friends to repeat themselves, or you find yourself leaning in closer to hear them better.
Increasing Volume — So much of our lives is spent with electronics, and while they may be the source of some hearing issues, they can also help. If you notice that you listen to music or your TV at a higher volume than before, then you are experiencing a loss of hearing.
What You Should Do Next
If any of the above information applies to you, then it is important to take action. This is a medical condition and, as such, requires professional medical advice.
- Schedule a hearing assessment with Clarity Hearing as soon as possible. These are just the first signs and, if left untreated, can develop into more serious health problems.
- Ensure that you are going to regular checkups to monitor the status of your hearing. By testing frequently, we can assess the rate at which your hearing is deteriorating and diagnose accordingly.
- Protect your hearing to slow the rate of decline. If you work in a noisy environment, then wear earplugs. We can help you identify the source of your issue and offer advice on how to reduce further harm.
Ear issues are symptoms that are commonly associated with other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and dementia. Regular hearing checks can help maintain the healthy, active lifestyle you want.
