World Hearing Day is on 3 March and while we use our ears every day, we may not give them the notice they deserve, so here are some key things to look out for when it comes to your hearing.
Firstly, it’s important to note that hearing loss can naturally happen as we age and that if you have any concerns, it’s important to speak to your doctor.
Six Signs Of Hearing Loss
- Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places.
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
- Listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people or always wanting to turn the volume up, when others around you seem to be fine with the current volume.
- You often experience difficulty hearing others on the phone.
- You find it hard to keep up with a conversation because you miss words here or there or don’t hear full sentences.
- You feel tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening.
If you struggle with a few of the above, it may be time to book an appointment with your doctor to examine your hearing. It’s possible that others may notice issues with your hearing before you do and this should also be taken into account.
There are lots of possible causes of hearing loss. It may be caused by something treatable or it may be permanent. Your symptoms may give you an idea what could be causing it, but it’s always important to seek expert medical advice from a qualified doctor. If your hearing loss is not caused by something a GP can treat, they may refer you to a hearing specialist for further tests and treatment.
Some small steps you can take to make your life easier if you’re suffering with hearing loss is to:
- Reduce background noise or move to a quieter area when talking to other people.
- Face people when they’re talking to you, so you can see their mouth, facial expressions and gestures (this may be difficult in COVID-19 times with masks, but may help at situations like family gatherings, for exmaple)
- Ask people to repeat themselves, to speak more slowly or to write things down if you need help.