Signs of Hearing Loss
Signs of hearing loss can vary among individuals. In addition, signs of hearing loss may be very subtle, or extremely profound. If you or someone you know exhibits signs of hearing loss, visiting a hearing specialist or physician as soon as possible is important.
- Turning up the volume. If you notice that a person blasts the television or radio, he may be compensating for his lack of hearing. This sign of hearing loss is usually the first one that a person will display, and one that is very obvious.
- Muffled hearing. Muffled hearing is an important sign of hearing loss. Although muffled hearing can be related to an ear infection, impacted ear wax or water in your ear, they can frequently be signs of hearing loss.
- Not responding. When signs of hearing loss worsen, people will become unresponsive to your questions or comments. Unless you speak loudly enough, your comments may go unnoticed to a person who is suffering from hearing loss.
- Difficulty understanding. A common sign of hearing loss is when understanding words become difficult. You might notice that a person who has a hearing deficit interprets words wrong or answers inappropriately.
- Avoiding social situations. Many people who exhibit signs of hearing loss will sometimes avoid social situations because they are embarrassed of their hearing loss. If you notice that someone is avoiding social situations, investigate further, because the person may need to be evaluated by a physician or audiologist.
- Withdrawn behavior. Withdrawing from conversations is another hearing loss sign. Sometimes people who cannot hear well will stop participating in conversations for fear of miscommunication with others.