Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in U.S. adults behind arthritis and heart disease. But while most people are pretty quick to get help for arthritis and heart disease, people with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before seeking help. 

The price of that delay is not just a mere inconvenience to the individual and their family. In fact, hearing loss has been shown to negatively impact nearly every aspect of life. From physical, emotional, and mental health; and performance at work to social skills, family relationships, and self-esteem, hearing loss slowly erodes quality of life.

Early warning signs that it may be time to get a hearing test include:

- Complaining that people are mumbling or speaking too softly

- Having to frequently ask people to repeat what they have said

- Having trouble understanding people when you cannot see their faces

- Keeping the television or radio at a volume louder than others prefer

- Having difficulty understanding on the telephone

- Not understanding all the dialogue at the movies or during live theater productions

- A tendency to be more impatient, irritable, frustrated, or withdrawn than usual

- Straining to hear conversations, especially when in a group setting

If you can relate to one or more of these warning signs, you should contact your doctor about scheduling a hearing test. Performed by a hearing specialist, hearing tests take about 30-45 minutes and usually involve three different assessments.

For the first one, the patient sits in a sound-proof area wearing headphones through which different tones are played at varying volumes. All you have to do is note when you hear something.

The second test, called a tympanogram, evaluates how well the middle ear is functioning and how well the eardrum is vibrating. The assessment is non-invasive and painless.

The final test involves word recognition. Patients are asked to listen to and repeat back specific words. This simple action provides insight into how well sound is being processed. 

Based on the information gathered, your provider can evaluate if you would benefit from a hearing aid. If a hearing aid is recommended, a second, longer appointment will be scheduled to review your options.

The good news is there have been a LOT of advancements in hearing aid technology in recent years. Hearing aids are considerably smaller and easier to use than they were even five years ago. Many can be recharged overnight, eliminating the need to struggle to replace tiny batteries, and some even have Bluetooth capabilities allowing you to receive phone calls directly in your hearing device, which further enhances your ability to communicate with who’s on the other end.

If you have been considering an evaluation for a hearing aid, do not put it off any longer. Getting hearing aids will improve your quality of life now and for years to come.  

Dr. Lisa J. Downing-Forget, MD, MPH practices Geriatric Primary Care at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.