The older that we get, the harder it can be to accept that our bodies are changing, and in some ways in a not-so-fun way. Hearing loss in particular, is a health-related concern that could sneak up on you when you least expect it. Yet, it doesn’t happen overnight by any means. You don’t suddenly find yourself in an assisted living facility, and suddenly your hearing disappears. 

Often, it’s a slow and gradual process that, if you can manage to handle eit arly on, can lower your frustration and suffering. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how bad their hearing loss has gotten until it’s time to get a hearing aid. 

Unfortunately, struggling to hear isn’t just frustrating; it can affect your overall quality of life. It can affect your relationships, your job, and your overall quality of life. If any of these situations sound familiar, it might be time to consider getting a hearing aid.

Conversations are Difficult

Do you ever feel like you don’t understand what other people are saying, regardless of how much you’re paying attention? If you find yourself constantly asking people to repeat themselves or feeling like everyone may be mumbling, it might be time to consider that it’s not them— it’s your hearing. 

Straining to catch what’s going on in the conversation is a big red flag, especially in noisy places like restaurants or family gatherings, where there’s a lot of noise happening at once. If you find yourself struggling to hone in on one single person’s voice, this is a serious cause for concern, and you may need to consider if hearing aids are in order.

You Turn The Volume Up

Whether it’s the TV or your headphones, the volume may seem like it’s never loud enough. If you feel the need to crank up the volume more than usual, then this is probably a sign that your hearing is affected and needs to be checked. 

Perhaps more importantly, if your fellow family members are constantly telling you that the TV is too loud, or your phone, don’t ignore this indication that it perhaps is too loud! If others start complaining that it’s too loud, yet you think it’s just right, it may be time to once again admit that it may not be them— maybe it’s your hearing!

You Miss Everyday Sounds

Perhaps you notice that your delivery driver attempted a delivery and claimed you weren’t home. 

Yet, you insist that you were home, and if they had rung the doorbell, you would have heard it! 

Unfortunately, this is a common scenario for people who are experiencing hearing loss and don’t realize it yet. Common, everyday sounds like doorbells, chirping of birds, or the sound of a car’s turn signal can gradually fade to silence. Unfortunately, sometimes, this can lead to a safety issue, so it’s important that you get your hearing checked.