Hearing Center - Signs You Need an Appointment

Are people around you suggesting that you visit a hearing center? This is an obvious sign that it may be time for some testing. But sometimes the cues are not that obvious. Sometimes it takes seeing one or two signs in combination with each other to make a person stand up and pay attention to the amount that they are able to hear around them. If you are experiencing any of the following signs, consider making an appointment with an audiologist to see if you have a problem and what can be done about it.

Conversation

Frequently asking the people around you to repeat themselves is one of the most common signs that you are overdue for a visit to a hearing center. When you ask people to speak up over and over again, it means that you are not able to catch what they said the first time. If it happens consistently with the same person, it could just be that they have a soft voice. If you are asking for repetition frequently and with multiple people, there is a good chance there is a problem.

You might want to ask yourself if you have been complaining about the way other people talk. Have you been consistently accusing the people around you of mumbling or speaking too softly? It could be that they are not the problem. Have you been unable to participate in a conversation, felt left out or gave the wrong response to a question because you did not hear it or understand it? Now is the time to make an appointment with a hearing center.

Background Noise

If you are in the midst of a loud stadium, filled with cheering crowds, it is understandable that you may have difficulty talking to and understanding the person seated beside you. However, if there is minimal background noise and you are still struggling, it could be a problem of loss. Think about the last time you were standing in a crowd and multiple people were talking, some at the same time. How difficult was it to keep up with the conversation? Did you give up and exit the group or just pretend like you could hear? This is another warning sign.

Struggles with Technology

A visit to a hearing center may be necessary if you are not able to easily communicate on the telephone or cell phone. Just like talking to someone right in front of you, are you constantly asking him or her to repeat what they are saying? This could be a sign that you need to be tested. Also, if you listen to music or the TV with the volume turned up really high in order to hear it and enjoy it, there could be more going on with your ability to hear than you realize.