Research has shown that many people who experience hearing loss do not do anything about it for five to seven years.
Hearing loss typically happens so slowly over time that people may not realize they are not hearing properly.
Untreated hearing loss can have both short-term and long-term adverse effects.
Short-term effects can include increased irritability and fatigue. Long-term effects can include withdrawal, social isolation, depression and decreased cognitive function. Fortunately it has also been shown that early treatment of hearing loss can help reduce these negative effects.
While detecting hearing loss in its early stages can be difficult, the following are some early signs to watch out for.
- People appear to mumble (i.e. you can hear people however it’s not clear).
- Having difficulty understanding speech if someone is not looking directly at you.
- Difficulty hearing in a noisy room.
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
- Difficulty hearing the television.
- Avoiding certain social situations.
- Straining to hear.
- Telling yourself you don’t need or want to hear.
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears.Family and friends tell you that you are not hearing.
Early intervention has been linked to an improvement in social, psychological and cognitive function, and a reported overall improvement in quality of life.
If you think that you are experiencing early signs of hearing loss consult a physician or hearing specialist.
Alison Place is an audiologist at Connect Hearing in North Vancouver.
