Hearing loss is one of the most common issues seniors have to grapple with as they age. Addressing hearing loss can be challenging, but identifying the problem is the first step in solving it. What are the symptoms of hearing loss that you should be aware of?
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
As a senior, having your hearing tested regularly should be a part of your annual wellness visits. After all, hearing loss occurs in almost half of the senior population. It can be caused by aging, as well as chronic exposure to noise. While there is no guarantee you will lose your hearing by a certain age, It’s likely you’ll experience some issues with hearing as you move into your golden years.
While hearing loss is not reversible in most cases, there are lots of different strategies available to you and your doctor to mitigate it. Lots of seniors are able to find ways to manage their hearing issues and still live very full lives. There are also issues that can exacerbate hearing problems, like earwax build up, that actually can be fixed. If you’re avoiding getting your hearing checked, you might be avoiding the very thing that will help fix your problem.
But how do you know if it’s time to get your hearing checked? Aside from your annual wellness visits, you should make an appointment with your doctor if you experience the following symptoms of hearing loss.
Difficulty in Social Situations
Do you avoid social situations, even with people you really like? If so, you may be suffering from some hearing loss. Seniors struggling with hearing loss often complain of difficulty following conversations when there are other sources of noise present. Likewise, if you have realized that you rely on lip-reading or facial expressions to follow conversations, it may be time to get your hearing checked.
Raising the Volume on Conversations and Media
Are you constantly asking people to speak up, slow down, or enunciate more clearly? Have you noticed that the volume setting on your television is creeping higher and higher? If every day sound is muffled, muddy, or hard to make out, that’s a sign of age-related hearing loss.
Unusual Buzzing or Ringing
One early warning sign of hearing trouble is buzzing or ringing in the ears, like constant tinnitus. These noises seem like an everyday annoyance, but they are actually a sign that the nerves in your ears are being affected by something. A doctor can help you identify the cause and seek treatment if necessary.
Trouble Hearing Specific Things
Some people assume hearing loss is like having the volume button turned down on life, but that isn’t always the case. Depending on the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing, certain frequencies or noises may be difficult for your ear to process. Do you have trouble understanding consonants? Are there certain voices or noises you can’t make out? If your hearing seems fine except for one or two irregularities, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
What Should I Do if I Experience These Symptoms?
If you experience sudden and unexplained hearing loss, especially if it only occurs in one ear, you should seek emergency medical attention right away. However, if the symptoms are more subtle and gradual like those explained above, you should still bring them to your doctor to discuss. They can help you find the cause of the trouble and make a plan to resolve your hearing issues moving forward.
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These symptoms of hearing loss are nothing to be embarrassed about. Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues seniors experience, and you can save yourself a lot of trouble by seeking help before it seriously starts to affect your life. Don’t let an everyday problem turn into a source of frustration and social isolation. Talk to your doctor about your hearing today!
At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to be active participants in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today.