Affects of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss may happen suddenly or slowly. The signs are similar even if the onset varies. If you have a concern, see an audiologist for an accurate diagnosis of your hearing loss and your physician to rule out medical problems. Free hearing tests are often advertised by hearing instrument specialists who are licensed to test hearing solely for the purpose of selling hearing aids. These free tests are not diagnostic audiologic evaluations. The Academy of Doctors of Audiology and the American Academy of Audiology recommend that you see a licensed Doctor of Audiology prior to the purchase of any hearing device.
You might have a hearing loss if you…
Socially:
require frequent repetition. Say, “What?” often.
have difficulty following conversations involving more than 2 people.
think that other people sound muffled or like they're mumbling.
have difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like conferences, restaurants, malls, or crowded meeting rooms.
have trouble hearing children and women.
have your TV or radio turned up to a high volume.
answer or respond inappropriately in conversations.
have ringing in your ears.
read lips or more intently watch people's faces when they speak with you.
Emotionally:
feel stressed out from straining to hear what others are saying.
feel annoyed at other people because you can't hear or understand them.
feel embarrassed to meet new people or from misunderstanding what others are saying.
feel nervous about trying to hear and understand.
withdraw from social situations that you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing.
Medically:
have a family history of hearing loss.notice problems with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or headaches.
have a history of ear health problems even if they were in childhood.
notice that one ear seems to hear better than another
take medications that can harm the hearing system (ototoxic drugs).
have diabetes, heart, circulation or thyroid problems.
have been exposed to very loud sounds over a long period or single exposure to explosive noise.
Better Hearing Institute & Patricia E. Connelly, PhD, audiologist, New Jersey Medical School