28th June 2015

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Why hearing loss is hard to recognise

hearing loss is insiduous, it comes on slowly over a protracted period of time. Because of the nature of the onset of loss, the person who suffers with it is often the last person to realise there is a problem. This is very common, because it happens over a long period of time it isn't noticeable until a certain point is reached.

Friends &family know

Friends and family will notice the problem first, they noticed the wrongly answered questions and the louder volume on TV and radio. Sometimes this can lead to difficulties within these important relationships.

Social Isolation

People with un-diagnosed hearing loss will often remove themselves from their usual social circles and their social activities because they find them stressful. This leads to a sense of isolation which can have a dramatic effect on every part of a person's life.

Symptoms of hearing loss:

• Muffled hearing. Difficulty understanding what people are saying, especially when there are competing voices or background noise. The difficulty is usually with the carity of the voice rather than the volume.
• You may be able to hear someone speaking, but you cannot distinguish the specific words.
• Listening to the television or radio at higher volume than in the past.
• Avoiding conversation and social interaction. Social situations can be tiring and stressful if you do not hear well. You may begin to avoid those situations as hearing becomes more difficult.
• Depression. Many adults may be depressed because of how hearing loss is affecting their social life.

 

 

Other symptoms that may occur with hearing loss include:

•  Ringing, roaring, hissing, or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus).
• itching, or irritation. Pus or fluid leaking from the ear. This may result from an injury or infection that is causing hearing loss.
• Vertigo, which can occur with hearing loss caused by Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, or labyrinthitis

 

People who have hearing loss are sometimes not really aware of the problem. Even if they have a sneaking suspicion, they may well be in denial. If you think you have any of these symptoms, or are just worried about your hearing in Aberdeen or Inverness, come and see us and get a hearing test. If you are a family member who is worried about a loved one, have patience, your loved one may well not fully realise there is an issue. 

If you are worried, try and convince them to see a professional.