Hearing loss rarely happens overnight. It is most often a gradual and frustrating process.
Initially, it may be hard for them to believe that they have a hearing problem because sometimes they hear well and other times they don’t. But there are several common signs to keep a look out for to determine if your loved one has a hearing problem:
- Do they misunderstand the conversations, especially in noisy, crowded locations?
- Do they raise the volume of the television or radio to the level that it disturbs others?
- Do they favor one ear over the other ear?
- Do they feel that people speak too quietly or complain that they are mumbling?
- Do they often ask people to repeat what they’ve said?
- Do they have trouble understanding conversations on the phone?
- Do they not hear the blinker in the car, the doorbell or the telephone?
- Do they complain about buzzing or ringing in their ears?
Why don’t they want to do address the issue? There are many factors
- Resentment
- Embarrassment
- Pride
- Frustration
- Fear
As a trusted loved one, what can you do to help? The best option is to convince them that its time to find out whether they do in fact have a problem. And the only real way to find out the answer to “Do I have a problem hearing?” is to take a hearing test.