Hearing Health: 8 Signs You Need a Hearing Aid

Hearing loss can impact your life in many ways. Addressing it early can prevent further complications. Here are eight signs you need a hearing aid and steps to take next.

 

  1. Avoiding Phone Calls

Do you avoid phone calls because conversations are hard to follow? High-frequency sounds and lack of visual cues make phone conversations challenging for those with hearing loss. Without seeing lip movements or facial expressions, understanding speech becomes difficult. This often leads to frustration and misunderstandings, making phone calls an unpleasant experience.

 

  1. Difficulty in Noisy Environments

Are you struggling to hear in noisy places like restaurants or gatherings? Background noise can drown out essential speech sounds. The brain struggles to filter out competing sounds, making it hard to focus on conversations. This can leave you feeling isolated and frustrated, especially in social settings.

 

Discover more about speech in noise. 

 

  1. Frequently Asking for Repetition

Do you often say “What?” or ask people to repeat themselves? Hearing loss often affects high-frequency sounds, making speech seem muffled. Consonants like “s,” “f,” and “th” become hard to distinguish, leading to constant requests for repetition. This can be frustrating for both you and those around you.

 

  1. Ringing in Your Ears

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, often accompanies hearing loss. Approximately 90% of people with tinnitus also experience hearing loss. Hearing aids can help manage this condition by amplifying external sounds, reducing the perception of ringing, and making conversations easier to follow.

 

Learn more about the best hearing aids for tinnitus. 

A hand turns a volume dial up.

  1. Increasing the Volume

Do you turn up the TV or radio volume too high? Hearing loss can make sounds seem quieter, leading to a need for higher volumes. This often causes discomfort for others around you, leading to arguments over acceptable volume levels. If you constantly reach for the remote, it might be time to get your hearing checked.

 

  1. Feeling Exhausted After Conversations

Do you feel mentally and physically drained after conversations? Straining to hear and understand can lead to listening fatigue. The extra effort required to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments, can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. This is a common sign of hidden hearing loss.

 

  1. Strained Relationships

Are your relationships affected by your hearing issues? Missing parts of conversations can cause misunderstandings and frustration. Loved ones may notice you’re not hearing them clearly, leading to repeated phrases and potential conflicts. This can strain relationships and create unnecessary tension.

 

  1. Avoiding Social Situations

Do you avoid social gatherings because hearing is difficult? The fear of misunderstandings and the effort required to keep up can lead to social withdrawal. This results in feelings of isolation and loneliness. Avoiding these situations can further impact your quality of life and mental well-being.

A man looks at a hearing aid with his audiologist.

Take Action for Better Hearing Today

If you recognize any of these signs, it might be time to consider a hearing aid. We are dedicated to improving your hearing health. Contact Stanford Hearing today for a comprehensive hearing test and start your journey to better hearing. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back—take action now for a fuller, more connected life.