The onset of hearing loss is rarely sudden. People who are losing This ability often compensate in ways that show those around them a problem exists. This is how you know someone you love may be struggling to hear. Consider four not so obvious signs that a parent or spouse is one of the thousands of people with an undiagnosed hearing deficit.
- What?
It seems like a simple thing, but when the conversion becomes littered with the word “what,” it indicates someone is not hearing what is said clearly. Some types of hearing loss present as mumbling. You are listening to someone speak, but the words sound distorted. The assumption is that this person is not enunciating their words when they talk to you, so the response is a request to repeat what was said. What? If you notice that word pops up more than it used to, your next conversation should be about getting your loved one’s hearing checked.
Does this person appear to ignore you more? Maybe, he or she isn’t really showing a lack of interest, but giving you a sign, instead. It is easy to mentally bow out of the conversation if you are struggling to understand what is said or appear to ignore someone calling your name. If you notice a distinct lack of interest, then poor hearing may be the culprit.
- Frequent Accidents
Is it clumsiness or hearing loss? A person with declining hearing may be accident prone. The struggle to hear is distracting. They don’t pay attention the way they used to and bump into stuff like the door frame or walls. Frequent falls, excessive bruising, and injuries can all be signs of hearing loss.
- Changes in Behavior
Hearing loss can lead to social isolation. This person stops coming to family events. They hang back during a conversation or don’t answer the phone anymore. The inability to hear is very confusing, especially if you don’t realize that is what is going on. There is a stigma associated with hearing loss, as well. It is interpreted as a sign of age. Depression can set in with the realization.
Ringing, wind blowing, heartbeat – these are sounds a person who is suffering hearing loss might be hearing. Pulling on the ears is an unconscious gesture to try to make these sounds stop or to improve hearing in general. If you notice a family member always seems to be pulling on his or her earlobe, you should suspect hearing loss is the reason.
Family members are often the first ones to notice hearing loss in a loved one. The signs can be subtle, though. Recognizing the signs is how you can help.
- Turning it Up
Whether it is the television, car radio or computer speaker, the need to make everything louder is instinctual. They may not even realize they do it. If you find yourself yelling over the TV, then it’s time for a hearing test
Family members are often the first ones to notice hearing loss in a loved one. The signs can be subtle, though. Recognizing the signs is how you can help.