Hearing loss is one of those things in life that can take us by surprise. Not because of sudden hearing loss (although that can be a problem for some people) but because it’s a shock to realize that we have hearing loss. This can be a problem that ranges from a life-changing to a minor nuisance because there are many different levels of hearing loss. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to tell if you have hearing loss. In this article, we’re going to be listing a couple of the most common ones to look out for.
1. You have trouble distinguishing speakers in a group situation
One of the most common signs of hearing loss is being unable to distinguish between different speakers in a group conversation. For instance, if you and a couple of friends are talking among yourselves and there’s another conversation going on next to you, then you might find that it’s hard to tell who’s speaking. This can lead to frustrations in following a conversation and you might need to ask people to repeat themselves regularly. If this is the case, then you may want to consider having your hearing checked by an audiologist.
2. You feel dizzy or lose your balance when getting out of bed or a seated position
If you have hearing loss, then you might experience a bit of dizziness or a loss of balance when you get out of a lying or sitting position. If you find that you need a moment to regain your balance, or if you find that it’s hard to walk in a straight line at times when it’s noisy, then there could be an issue with your hearing and balance. This is because we use our hearing for more than just processing sounds. We also use it to help us stay balanced in certain situations, and when our hearing is damaged, it can make it difficult for us to remain balanced. We recommend that you speak to a professional hearing doctor in order to diagnose any potential balance issues that are caused by hearing-related problems.
3. You occasionally notice a high-pitched whine or buzz in your ear
This is a condition known as tinnitus that can be caused by impacted ear wax or hearing problems. The most common cause is nerve damage to the ear which is also the most common cause of hearing loss. The sound of tinnitus is known as a subjective noise because it’s something that only you can hear due to the nerve damage. In some cases, tinnitus can be an isolated problem caused by something like impacted ear wax or an ear infection. However, it’s most commonly associated with hearing loss, making it important to receive a professional diagnosis for both conditions.
The earlier you diagnose hearing loss, the easier it becomes to slow the process. If you leave it for too long, then it can quickly get worse and the effects are irreversible. This makes it vital for you to receive a professional diagnosis as soon as possible.