If you or an elderly loved one is worried about hearing loss, the first thing to note is that this is, to an extent, normal. One-third of older Americans have some form of hearing loss, and much of this is related to normal processes of aging, as we will get into in this article.
However, by understanding the early signs of hearing loss, you can take steps today to limit the damage and preserve as much hearing capacity as possible during your golden years. If you or a loved one is having trouble following conversations or noticing an uptick in the TV volume, here’s what you need to know about defection and mitigation.
Difficulty Keeping Up in Conversation
One of the most common early signs of hearing loss is trouble understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments. Seniors may find it harder to keep up with fast speech or multiple voices, which can lead to feelings of frustration or isolation.
Difficulty following conversations is often a signal that hearing impairment symptoms may be present.
As hearing declines, it may become harder to hear certain frequencies or distinguish speech from background noise. This can result in misunderstandings or the need to ask people to repeat themselves frequently.
More Volume Needed
If you notice that the TV volume is consistently set higher than usual, it could be a sign of age-related hearing loss. Seniors may increase the volume to compensate for their diminished hearing, even though those around them find it too loud. Increased TV volume is a key indicator that your hearing abilities are changing.
If the volume needs to be set very high for clear understanding, it’s time to consider whether hearing loss is affecting your ability to enjoy entertainment or engage in conversations.
This change in behavior is common and can happen gradually, making it important to watch for other symptoms as part of early detection of hearing loss.
Here’s a list of other signs of hearing loss that may not always be as obvious:
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty hearing in groups
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Not understanding speech in background noise
- Perceived muffling of speech
Recognizing these signs early can help you take action before hearing loss becomes more severe.
Difficulty Detecting Higher Pitches
High-pitched sounds, like birds chirping or the voices of children, are often the first to become harder to hear as we age.
Seniors may not realize they are missing these higher frequencies, as they can fade gradually over time. Seniors experiencing senior auditory decline may have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds.
This type of hearing loss, known as presbycusis, typically affects the ability to hear certain consonants and higher frequencies. It’s important to consider an audiology consultation if you notice difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds.
Avoiding Social Situations
Hearing impairment symptoms can lead seniors to withdraw from social situations due to difficulty hearing and participating in conversations.
They may avoid gatherings or group discussions because they feel self-conscious about not understanding what’s being said. Avoiding social situations can be a coping mechanism for seniors experiencing early signs of hearing loss.
When hearing loss starts affecting social life, it’s a good idea to explore hearing aids or other solutions. Engaging in social activities is important for mental and emotional well-being, and addressing hearing loss can improve these experiences.
Early Signs of Hearing Loss: Tinnitus
Many seniors experience a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in their ears, known as tinnitus. While tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, it is often associated with age-related hearing loss, and especially so with veterans.
Tinnitus can be an early warning sign of hearing impairment, especially if it persists. Tinnitus can vary in severity, from a mild, occasional ringing to a constant, loud sound that interferes with daily activities.
If this sound is persistent, it’s important to seek professional advice to determine its cause and explore options for management.
Impact On Daily Life
If you or your loved one is noticing that hearing loss is impacting daily tasks, such as using the phone or participating in hobbies, it’s important to consider the need for an audiology consultation. Hearing loss can disrupt everyday activities, making it essential to seek early detection.
The inability to hear the phone ring, struggle to follow instructions or feel disconnected from activities you once enjoyed are all signs that your hearing may be changing.
Early intervention can help prevent further difficulties in communication and overall engagement.
It Might Be Time for an Audiology Consultation
If you’ve noticed any of the early signs of hearing loss, it’s important to consult with an audiologist for a professional evaluation. An audiology consultation is the best way to assess your hearing and understand the extent of hearing loss.
An audiologist will conduct hearing tests to determine whether hearing loss is present and, if so, recommend appropriate treatments. These may include hearing aids, lifestyle adjustments, or other interventions that can help maintain communication and improve quality of life.
Here’s a list of what you can expect during an audiology consultation:
- A hearing test
- Discussion of your hearing history
- Review of treatment options
- Guidance on lifestyle changes
- Information about follow-up appointments
Consulting an audiologist can give you the clarity needed to make informed decisions about your hearing health.
Find Your Supportive Community in Oklahoma City
It’s natural to feel self-conscious about any loss of hearing. However, this should not be an impediment to action. By recognizing the early signs of hearing loss, you can be empowered to make the right adjustments and move quickly to prevent the situation from getting worse. Your loved ones are here to support you and ensure you can participate in your social life just as before.
If you’re in need of an assisted living community that understands, you’re in the right spot. At Morada Lake Hefner, you’ll find a serene community that is geared around ensuring all of our senior residents can live their fullest lives.
Our expert staff are here to accommodate your needs and ensure you can adjust in a supportive community for the best possible quality of life. Feel free to book a tour of our Oklahoma City community today.
