4 Signs Your Loved One Has Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can significantly impact a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health, and if not addressed, it may worsen over time, making treatment more difficult. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of hearing loss early. Fortunately, effective treatments are available and can lead to substantial improvements for those affected. The sooner hearing loss is identified and managed, the earlier you find the right treatment for you and prevent further loss.

Hearing loss can present itself in various ways, so being able to identify these signs is important for providing support to a loved one. Below are four key indicators of hearing loss and reasons why seeking advice from a hearing health professional may be necessary.

1. They are Less Active in Noisy Places

One of the signs your loved one might be experiencing hearing loss is that they are less active when you go to noisy places. As hearing loss makes higher-pitched sounds more difficult to hear, your loved one could struggle to make out the noises going on around them, which might make them less inclined to want to visit a particular place, and could make them feel distant, reserved or anxious.

2. Switching Ears During a Conversation

If you are speaking to your loved one, and you find that they are swapping the ear they use to try to listen to you, this could be an indicator that they are experiencing hearing loss. Look out for tell-tale signs, like switching ears mid conversation, as well as a tendency to lean in if they are struggling to hear what you are saying.

3. They’re Having Balance Problems

Your balance is closely connected to your hearing, so if a loved one is having hearing loss, they might also experience balance problems. Signs like stumbling or feeling unsteady while walking could indicate hearing issues. It’s important to have these symptoms checked by a hearing health professional as soon as possible. They can help determine if hearing loss is affecting balance and recommend appropriate treatment. Addressing these issues early can help prevent further complications.

4. Difficulty Understanding Speech

If a loved one is having difficulty understanding speech, it may be a sign of hearing loss. They might often ask for repetition or struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. This difficulty can lead to frustration and social withdrawal, impacting their overall quality of life. To address these issues, it is important to consult with a hearing health professional, who can perform a thorough evaluation and determine the extent of the hearing loss. With the right treatment, like hearing aids or other assistive devices, their ability to understand speech can be significantly improved.

There are several factors and signs that will alert you that a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, and these are just four of the most prevalent. Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age, so look out for the signs and be prepared. If you notice your loved one has hearing loss, talk to them about scheduling an appointment with a hearing health professional.