Did you know hearing loss is one of the most common ailments among older people, and the chances of having some degree of hearing loss increase as we age.

Hearing loss is gradual and can come on very slowly, so it is not something people usually recognize until it has advanced to a noticeable level…. But since it’s not reversable, it’s best to catch it before you notice a difference.

The signs may be easy to miss, but if you are looking for them you are more likely to catch it as early as possible. That in conjunction with yearly hearing exams could make a huge difference in your life!

Since some people start to experience hearing loss when they are still young, it is important to know what to watch for:

• Asking others to repeat themselves frequently when in normal conversation
• Noticing it’s harder to hear in restaurants or other loud settings
• Thinking sounds from the TV or loudspeakers is garbled or hard to understand
• Not hearing a sound or joke that everyone else around you can hear

Most people wait 7-10 years after the first sign of hearing loss, and that gives it time to progress to a level that really affects your life—so quick action is key!

Hearing loss can be associated with other health problems and risk factors, including dementia, depression, isolation and even heart issues, so getting checked sooner than later is important.

If you experience any of the following signs of early stage hearing loss, it’s time to book an examination with an audiologist:

• 1. You hear people talking but you can’t understand what they are saying

If you are constantly asking people to repeat themselves, or constantly get frustrated that people are mumbling, you may have hearing loss.

• • 2. Your family often complains that the volume on the TV is too loud.
    3. Background noise makes it very difficult to carry a conversation.

If you are at a restaurant or a ball game and have trouble hearing conversation around you, you may have hearing loss.

• • 4. You find yourself not wanting to attend social gatherings or talk on the phone because it’s too much effort.

Hearing loss is exhausting, because we have to work harder than most people to understand what is going on around us. If you are experiencing this type of fatigue from normal conversation, you might have hearing loss.

• • 5. You can’t understand people when you can’t see their mouths.

With all the recent mask-wearing, this has become pronounced. If you have to see someone’s mouth to understand what they are saying, you might have hearing loss.

If you notice any of the above signs, call your local audiologist to get a hearing exam. They can show you your options and help you to halt hearing loss before it progresses any further.

The first step to halting hearing loss and preventing further damage is to recognize your situation. Come in today for a hearing screening and formulate a strategy to train your brain to listen actively and effectively.

Diablo Hearing Services   2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106   San Ramon (925) 394-4646