When Should You Get Your Hearing Checked?

When something happens to your body, sometimes you can be quick to notice. However, what if part of your senses were to diminish gradually over time? Hearing loss can be slow and progressive, which means you or a loved one may not even realize it is happening. According to Sarah Bernacki, AuD, a CEENTA audiologist at our Fort Mill location, "Getting your hearing evaluated is all a part of taking care of your health. Hearing loss can cause fatigue, mental strain and difficulty communicating with friends and family. The sooner hearing loss is identified, the sooner we are able to help you get back to experiencing the things that you enjoy to the fullest"

Some of the most common signs of hearing loss are:

Turning up the volume

Having to frequently turn up the volume of your TV or phone can indicate that your hearing is not as strong as it was before. That’s not to say that every instance of this is indicative of hearing loss, as different settings and room structures can affect how you receive noise. With that said, clicking your remote from half to full volume may be a sign to get your hearing checked.

Leaning in closely

When someone is whispering, you might have a habit of leaning in to hear them better. What if you still find the need to lean in when people were speaking normally? Positioning yourself to hear someone better when they're speaking at a regular volume could indicate a hearing loss, as you could be trying to "turn up the volume" by moving closer.

Asking for repetition

Nobody wants to seem like they’re not paying attention by asking someone to repeat what they've said. While it’s normal to ask for someone to clarify, how often do you find yourself or a loved one asking? Another consideration is how much of the sentence or phrase do you need repeated back to you? Certain words could sound muffled or unclear, but full sentences could imply something more significant for your hearing.

Avoiding social situations

Listening is a huge portion of social interaction. Difficulty hearing can lead to decreased enjoyment in socializing with others. The mental fatigue of trying to decipher what someone is saying all the time, especially in loud environments like parties or events, could lead to more social withdrawal. If you notice a loved one beginning to pull away from talking to others, it might be time to consider a hearing appointment to see if hearing loss is a possible cause.

Sometimes your body sends you signs that it needs tuning, and your hearing is no exception. If you, a friend, or a family member are exhibiting signs like this, get your hearing test at CEENTA. Our award-winning audiologists can determine if you have a hearing loss, and recommend treatment options based on your specific hearing needs. Schedule with Sarah Bernacki, AuD, at our Fort Mill office today at 704.295.3000. 

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. You can schedule an appointment with any of our audiologists in North and South Carolina through myCEENTAchart or by calling 704-295-3300.