Top Signs You Need to See a Hearing Care Professional

In the United States alone, around 30 million people experience issues related to their hearing each year. Some are severe, but many are minor and can be helped by a hearing health professional. 

A hearing care professional is highly skilled at testing and treating some of the most common issues associated with hearing loss. There are many symptoms related to hearing, but some of the top signs that you need a hearing aid include:

• Having to try harder to hear
• Dull sounds
• Social cues

Having to try harder to follow a conversation is one of the first signs of hearing loss. At the same time, dulled sounds from everyday things are another typical hearing problem. And if you find yourself missing particular cues or avoiding contact because of your inability to clearly hear, it might be time to consult a hearing care professional.

Here are some quick ways to assess whether you need to see an audiologist for hearing loss. 

Trying Harder To Hear

One of the first clues that you might need professional medical help is becoming hard of hearing. When this happens, you could find yourself missing segments of a conversation or asking people to repeat themselves. You may also lose people mid-conversation when turning your head because of hearing loss in one or both ears.

A family member or a friend might suggest that you are ignoring what they have been talking about. However, it is simply the case that you did not hear what they were saying because of hearing loss. This is a major indicator that something might be wrong with your hearing.

Dulled Sounds

You might also notice that doors opening, footsteps or the TV and radio have become muffled, distant or generally sound duller than they usually do. Again, this is a genuine medical concern and should be taken seriously. It could be hearing loss caused by various things such as wax buildup, an ear infection or ear trauma.

High-pitched sounds such as birds singing and alarms are an excellent way to test your hearing. These sounds are usually very high-pitched and, therefore, straightforward to detect. However, if these sounds have become more difficult to hear or dulled, then the hearing loss might have occurred.

Social Problems

Hearing loss can have a significant impact on your social life. Persistent hearing loss can cause you to avoid conversations with people or social events. It could be that you don't want to have to ask people to repeat themselves. You may also begin to lose enjoyment in everyday things like watching a movie or listening to music.

Social isolation like this can cause feelings of depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, hearing loss is often overlooked as a cause of these types of behaviors and, if left untreated, could become worse. If you feel that your hearing loss is making you less social, then book an appointment with a hearing health professional as soon as you can. 

Hearing care professionals can help with hearing-related issues and recommend treatment such as over the counter medications and ear drops or fitting a hearing aid.