One in five people in the UK are deaf or have some degree of hearing loss. Many people experience hearing loss as they age, but it can be difficult to know when it’s time to get hearing aids. Here are 6 signs that indicate you may be ready to look into hearing aids.
1. You Regularly Turn Up the Volume
One of the most common early signs of hearing loss is needing to turn up the volume on the TV, radio or phone calls to hear properly. If you find yourself constantly asking others to speak up or needing to crank up the volume when you sit down to watch the news, it likely means your hearing is diminished. Getting hearing aids can help amplify sounds so you don’t have to strain to hear.
2. You Have Trouble Following Conversations
Do you struggle to follow conversations in noisy places like restaurants or group settings? Do you feel exhausted after trying hard to keep up with what people are saying? Difficulty understanding and following along during conversations is a major indicator that it’s time to consider hearing aids. They make voices and speech much clearer.
3. People Complain You Have the TV Too Loud
If your family, friends or neighbours are always asking you to turn down the volume on the television, it’s a clear sign your hearing is impaired. The volume that seems normal or even quiet to you is too loud for people with normal hearing. Hearing aids can help correct your hearing so standard volumes are comfortable again.
4. You Avoid Social Situations
Many people with untreated hearing loss start to withdraw from social situations that they once enjoyed. If you find yourself making excuses to avoid parties, work functions or other gatherings because it’s hard to hear, hearing aids can help you stay socially engaged. Improving your hearing means you don’t have to feel left out. It might be best to compare hearing aids to see what’s available and ensure you don’t miss out on getting the right one for you.
5. Your Hearing Loss Is Medically Confirmed
Being diagnosed with hearing loss by your doctor is the most definitive sign it’s time to get hearing aids. Severe hearing loss untreated for long periods raises your risk for issues like dementia. Hearing aids not only let you hear better day-to-day, but safeguard your cognitive health as you age. If a hearing test shows notable impairment, don’t put off getting fitted for hearing aids. You can compare hearing aids before you buy.
6. You Feel Strained Communicating One-on-One
If you have trouble hearing or get tired trying to understand conversation even in quiet settings with one other person, it’s likely you’ll benefit from hearing aids. They make one-on-one communication easier and less tiring by amplifying important speech frequencies. Don’t dismiss hearing issues just because crowds are overwhelming; compare hearing aid prices once you’ve had a hearing test that confirms your hearing is impaired.
Don’t let hearing impairment isolate you or cause tension with loved ones. Seek help from your doctor, compare hearing aid options, and get fitted with hearing aids tailored for your needs.
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