Hearing Loss
Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss
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Believing everyone is mumbling
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Asking for frequent repetition
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Struggling to hear, especially in crowds
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Turning up the radio or television
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Reducing social activities
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Watching faces more often
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Missing the softer sounds of nature
Most acquired hearing loss is considered either age-related or noise induced. In both cases, the small cells within the cochlea (the sense organ for hearing) become damaged over time and begin to make it difficult to hear. Due to the design of our ears, the usual experience for those suffering from hearing loss, is others noticing – hearing loss is often unnoticed at first by the individual suffer. Over time, comments associated with mumbling and young people speaking too fast are usual complaints of the individual with hearing loss. The soft and meaningful sounds that are required to make sense of speech are lost, which can make it difficult to socialize and participate in life. It takes the average person years to identify, accept and agree to manage their hearing loss. During this time, the brain changes and the aging process is thought to advance. The best option is early identification and early management of hearing loss.
The Emotional Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
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Loneliness
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Confusion
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Depression
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Fatigue
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Memory Issues
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Decreased Quality of Life
