Hearing loss is a problem that tends to occur slowly, unless it is caused by an accident or sudden illness. If it happens gradually, you could easily miss the signs, and you may even not realize that you have a hearing problem until it's too late. The solution for hearing problems is not necessarily always about a hearing aid. You might find the problem is a lot more simple and can be solved easily by having earwax removed. However, you can only be sure about the nature of the problem by taking a hearing test. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms it may just be time for you to visit an audiologist:

“What Did You Say?”

Do you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves, to speak slowly, or to speak more clearly? Do you have to twist your neck or turn round to face a person to be able to clearly hear what they are saying? Does it feel people are mumbling, their speech is muffled and difficult to follow? These could all be indications of declining hearing which you should have seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.

You Avoid Social Setting

Struggling to understand what has been said in group conversations, finding it difficult to carry out conversations at noisy social events leading to feeling drained and avoiding social gatherings. If you were formerly a much more social person and now the thought of attending an event fills you with dread, it may be a sign that your hearing is at fault.

You Find Yourself Turning Up the Volume

If you find yourself increasing the volume on your devices just to follow a program or to enjoy a song on the radio, but you’re being told that the sound is too loud by others, then it is a clear indication that something isn’t quite right with your ears.

Missed Alarms, Doorbells, or Phone Calls

Failing to hear certain pitches and tones is a common concern when it comes to hearing loss. Do you miss phone calls, visitors at the doors, or certain alarms? If this becomes a frequent problem, hearing loss could be the cause.

Your Hear Ringing in Your Ear

Do you experience ringing or other noises in one or both ears? You could be suffering from tinnitus, a common problem that affects 15% to 20% of people and is more common among older adults. Tinnitus could be caused by age-related hearing loss, an ear injury or a circulatory system issue.

If you feel you may have any of the following signs, try a free online hearing test from Helix Hearing Care. This will provide a quick insight into the state of your hearing. Don’t stress hearing loss is more prevalent than you think as data presented by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorder (NIDCD) shows highlighting how around 13% of people in the United States aged 12 years or older have some form of hearing loss in both ears

To conclude, hearing loss can cause further problems so it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. For example, people with hearing difficulties are almost three times more likely to have a history of falling. Communication problems could make them feel depressed, isolated, miss out on relationships and social occasions leaving them lonely. Studies have revealed a connection between hearing loss and changes in the brain. The problem could be aggravated by the loss of stimulation leading to parts of the brain that are responsible for memory or regulating moods becoming inefficient. Hearing Tests are painless and will cause you no discomfort whatsoever. Don’t delay, and get professional help today.

Author's Bio: 

Lora Y