Family and Friends May Help Discover Hearing Loss

Those who are experiencing hearing loss may not be able to notice it immediately, as the process may often occur slowly over several years. In these cases, patients may find that it is their friends and family, rather than themselves, who notice the problem first. Though this may be a sensitive area to navigate, patients’ loved ones will be doing them a great service by bringing this to their attention, and allowing them to get life-improving treatment quickly. For those who feel they may know someone with undiagnosed hearing loss, learning more about the symptoms can make them a more effective communicator. Some of the most common signs of hearing loss are listed below, or feel free to contact your local Mesa hearing loss specialists at Fynes Audiology for more information.

Communication Troubles May Signal Hearing Loss

According to a recent article from the Baylor College of Medicine, one of the first signals that there may be some undiagnosed hearing loss is a problem in normal communication channels. In the words of Dr. Adriana Rodriguez-Miciak, who works in the otolaryngology department at Baylor, “Sometimes the first sign is a breakdown in communication. Relatives or friends might become frustrated and think they are being ignored when someone doesn’t respond because they can’t clearly hear them or when they keep asking them to repeat a question.”

This can rapidly become a greater problem, as small misunderstandings may grow into larger issues if not addressed. As with any condition associated with aging or a decrease in normal function, those developing hearing loss may not wish to admit the reality of what is happening to them. This can be very hard for those that care about them and wish to see them improve.

Common Signs of Hearing Loss

Some of the most common signs that someone is suffering from hearing loss include the following:

• Unusually Loud TV/Radio: Those suffering from hearing loss often keep their electronic devices at a volume level much higher than what would be comfortable for someone with normal hearing. This becomes particularly noticeable when visiting their homes, or if they come to your home and adjust the volume accordingly.
• Confusion Following Multiple Conversations: Hearing loss may make it difficult to understand and keep track of the conversation when there are several things going on at once, such as when there is music playing in the background, multiple people are talking over each other, or the television is on.
• Tuning Out Soft or Difficult-to-hear Conversations: Those with hearing difficulty may not be able to follow soft or rapid conversation, and may often be observed to look away, or disengage from these types of conversation. Patients may begin to avoid these sorts of social situations, choosing a quiet corner or area of the house instead.

Contact Fynes Audiology Today

To learn more about the signs, causes, and treatments for hearing loss in those around you, or to schedule an appointment for yourself or someone else, please contact Fynes Audiology today.