May is Better Hearing Month! Here are some signs of hearing loss, so that you can get the help you may need.

Signs of Hearing Loss in Adults

Hearing loss that begins in adulthood can occur so gradually that it might be difficult to identify at first. In fact, in quiet situations, there might be no difficulty at all in communicating or understanding others. As a result, many individuals with hearing loss don’t realize their hearing can be better than it is. Many adults assume that their primary care physician will identify a hearing loss if one exists. In reality, only about 10 percent of primary care providers routinely screen for hearing loss (Better Hearing Institute). The following are commonly reported symptoms of hearing loss in adults and indicate the need to have a hearing evaluation by an audiologist:

•Perceiving that people mumble

•Frequently asking people to repeat what they have said

•Difficulty following conversations in restaurants or other noisy places

•Turning up the volume on the television or radio to levels that are bothersome to others

•Trouble understanding at the movies or theater, houses of worship, or other public gatherings

•Difficulty understanding people when their faces cannot be seen

•Difficulty understanding conversations in a group

•Impatience, irritation, or frustration during conversations

•Straining to hear conversations

•Hearing ringing, roaring, buzzing, beeping, or other noises in your ear(s) or head

It is never too early to have a hearing evaluation. The sooner a hearing evaluation is conducted, the easier the treatment and the better the results. Anyone who suspects hearing loss should see an audiologist for a hearing test.