Hearing loss is often first identified by a loved one rather than the one experiencing it. We don’t always notice when we haven’t heard something correctly or missed a noise altogether.
Hearing loss is highly prevalent, with nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults over 70 estimated to experience it. Because our loved ones may not recognize their hearing loss, it is important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms that they may be experiencing.
To help you identify hearing loss in your loved ones, let’s examine a couple of signs they may be experiencing it.
They Turn the TV or Radio up Uncomfortably Loud
If you live with your loved one, you may notice this sign first. Turning the TV or radio up loud enough that it is uncomfortable for other people can signal that they’re having trouble hearing.
They Lean in or Turn Their Head During Conversation
Leaning in to understand you or turning their head so you can speak into their “good ear” may indicate they are having trouble understanding or identifying speech sounds.
They Seem Uninterested in Social Activities They Used to Like
People with hearing loss often struggle to understand conversations with multiple people. The cross chatter and background noise can be difficult to understand with normal hearing, but people with hearing loss find it especially challenging.
If you notice your loved ones pulling away from group activities or remaining more silent than usual in conversation, consider asking them why they are doing so to begin a dialogue about possible hearing loss.
They Laugh in the Wrong Place or Give Odd Answers to Questions
Laughing in the wrong place or answering questions in an odd manner can indicate that your loved one is misunderstanding or not hearing speech. Similarly, if you notice that they cannot hear certain words or phrases but can understand if you rephrase what you said, they are likely having trouble differentiating between speech sounds.
They Have Trouble Understanding Children
Hearing loss frequently affects one’s ability to understand high-pitched tones. If your loved one seems to have more trouble understanding children than adults, it is likely because higher pitches are difficult for them to hear.
They Have Trouble Ordering Food or Coffee
If your loved one has trouble understanding the barista at Neckar Coffee over the milk steamer, it could indicate that they are struggling to identify the difference between speech and background noise.
Paying attention to these indicators of hearing loss will help you identify it in your loved ones. Consider encouraging them to get a hearing test if you notice any of these signs.
To make an appointment with one of our trusted hearing specialists, call Southwest Idaho ENT today.