Understanding the Implications of Hearing Loss: Early Signs, Prevention, and Action
Hearing is an important sense that connects us to those around us through verbal communication and music. Even our regular soundscape of birds, cars and other noises enriches our daily experiences. The onset of hearing loss can be subtle, and the significant mental health impacts are often poorly understood. Recognising the early signs is vital for quick intervention.
Early Signs of Hearing Loss.
Hearing loss is often gradual, with symptoms that can be easily overlooked. Here are the most common indicators to watch out for:
Difficulty following conversations in locations with background noise.
If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves, particularly in busy or noisy settings, it could be a sign of hearing loss. The inability to follow conversations in places with background noise can also lead to frustration and withdrawal from socialising in places like pubs, clubs, or restaurants.
Increased volume on TVs and phones.
Have you noticed a need to increase the volume on devices such as the TV, phone, or radio? Do your family members or housemates complain about the TV volume? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, this could signify a decline in your hearing.
Muffled or distorted sounds.
You might find it challenging to understand conversations clearly, often the most noticeable on phone calls or in noisy environments. If certain sounds are muffled, indistinct or distorted, this may indicate hearing loss that’s damaging your sound perception.
Tinnitus: Hearing ringing or buzzing sounds.
Tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears, can present as ringing, buzzing or other phantom noises. Tinnitus is a very common sign in people that have damaged their hearing due to excess noise, like working near loud industrial machinery, or attending live music events.
Not wanting to attend social events.
Hearing loss can impact people socially, leading to withdrawal from gatherings due to difficulty understanding conversations. Feelings of isolation and frustration may arise, affecting one's overall quality of life. Hearing loss can be very isolating and people with hearing loss have higher levels of depression, largely due to this social separation.
Preventing Further Hearing Damage.
There are several steps you can take to protect your hearing health and minimise the risk of further damage:
Limit exposure to loud noise.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause irreversible damage to your hearing. Companies like Loop are making earplugs a fashion statement. So, whether at work, during recreational activities, or in everyday settings, use ear protection to safeguard your ears from excessive noise.
Keep volumes at a safe level.
Be mindful of the volume level when listening to music or podcasts, especially when using headphones or earbuds. As a rule of thumb, maintain the volume at a level where you can still hear ambient sounds around you. Also remember that if you’re turning the volume up to hear over loud noises, this is going to be damaging your hearing. If you’re a constant headphone wearer, also try adding in breaks throughout the day.
Regular checkups.
Add hearing tests to our regular medical checkups. We often have regular checkups for eyesight and dental health, yet hearing is often only checked once there’s already an issue. Regular assessments can detect changes in your hearing and facilitate early intervention if necessary.
What to do if you are experiencing hearing loss.
Taking prompt action can significantly impact your outcome. Here are some helpful sources to help you book in a hearing test.
Book a hearing test
Schedule an appointment with a hearing healthcare, for a comprehensive assessment. If you live in a rural community, your local GP may be able to conduct a hearing assessment. Alternatively, there are online tests available or downloadable apps to test hearing.
Helpful links for further information and booking an exam:
Hearing Australia
Connect hearing – Online test
Hearing Matters Australia
Hearing loss in the coal mining industry
Specsavers – optometry and audiology testing
Understanding the early signs of hearing loss and taking preventive measures are vital. If you suspect any hearing impairment, do not hesitate to seek professional evaluation. With timely intervention and proactive measures, you can enhance your overall well-being and maintaining a strong connection to the world around you.