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What Hearing Loss Symptoms Are Red Flags?

Red flag on a wooden pole against a blue sky symbolizing hearing loss symptoms

Hearing loss is usually an aggravating condition that can be the result of various things. There are some situations where hearing loss is related to a more severe underlying health condition and isn’t merely the result of aging or an injury.

Watch out for these hearing loss red flags

There are varieties of red flags that may be a sign of hearing loss and that it’s time to schedule a hearing assessment appointment. Pay attention if any of these red flags manifest.

Difficulties hearing on the phone

Even with a volume control setting, you may find it hard to hear the individual you are talking to on the phone. If you are continually cranking the volume up louder and louder on your cell phone or landline, you should make an appointment as soon as you can for a hearing assessment.

Difficulty following conversations

At times, we get lost during conversations even when our hearing is healthy, but if it happens often, particularly when more than two people are talking, it’s probably a sign of hearing loss.

People around you are complaining about the rising volume of your TV

Following along with television shows, particularly when there’s music and dialog, can be difficult. We need to recognize that the sound doesn’t automatically get clearer when you turn up the volume. But if you constantly need the television turned up to a high volume that is uncomfortable for others in the room or if your neighbors can hear your television, it is time to get your hearing checked.

Trouble hearing in noisy environments

It usually means you’re struggling to differentiate speech from background sound if hearing in a public place has become a challenge. Individuals who are developing hearing loss most commonly have this complaint.

You keep asking people what they said

Simply because you aren’t able to hear somebody mumbling several feet from you doesn’t mean you have hearing loss. Still, it could be a red flag that you aren’t receiving and processing speech correctly if the word “what” is the most used word in your vocabulary.

Failing to understand what people are saying

It can be an indication of high frequency hearing loss, often an embarrassing one, if you frequently misunderstand what people are saying. This form of hearing loss makes it challenging to discern speech.

Contact us for a hearing exam as soon as you can if you are noticing any of the above red flags. The good news is, hearing testing is easy and the stigma of hearing loss is a thing of the past so there’s no reason to keep having trouble hearing.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.