You Don’t Know What You Don’t Hear: Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is typically a gradual change, and because our brain is constantly learning and adjusting- hearing loss left untreated becomes the new normal for the individual, even if it's not the optimal level.

Here are some everyday signs you might be experiencing hearing loss:

• Struggling to follow conversations: Especially in noisy places like restaurants or crowded rooms.

• Constantly asking people to repeat themselves: You might feel like everyone's mumbling!

• The TV or radio seems quieter: You find yourself cranking the volume higher than usual.

• Feeling drained after social interactions: The effort to concentrate on conversations can be tiring.

• Noticing ringing or buzzing in your ears: This could be a sign of tinnitus, which often accompanies hearing loss.

• Loss of balance: The brain is using more energy to help you hear better that you’re no longer paying as much attention to your peripheral environment.

• Forgetfulness and memory issues: Hearing loss can make it harder to store new information in your memory because your brain is busy trying to understand clearly what you are hearing.

• Avoiding social gatherings and activities: Hearing loss can cause frustrations for both the hearing-impaired person and the people around him/her.

• Withdrawal from conversations