What are the Symptoms of Hearing Impairment?
September 19, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Hearing impairment, or hearing loss, can manifest in various ways and can range from mild to profound. Symptoms of hearing impairment may include:
- Difficulty understanding speech:
- Struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments.
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
- Muffled or unclear sound perception:
- Sounds may seem distorted or less distinct.
- Social withdrawal or isolation:
- Avoiding social gatherings or conversations due to difficulty in communication.
- Turning up the volume:
- Frequently increasing the volume on electronic devices (TV, radio, etc.) to hear better.
- Tinnitus: Perceiving a ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ears, which may be temporary or persistent.
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched or low-pitched sounds:
- Struggling to hear sounds like a phone ringing, birds chirping, or low-frequency noises.
- Inability to hear environmental sounds:
- Difficulty hearing doorbells, alarms, or traffic noises.
- Difficulty with phone conversations: Struggling to understand conversations on the phone.
- Balance problems or dizziness:
- Some types of hearing loss can affect the vestibular system, causing balance issues.
- Speaking loudly or unclearly: Adjusting speech patterns due to difficulty hearing oneself.
- Fatigue or stress: Constantly straining to hear can cause fatigue or stress during conversations.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, if you experience any signs of hearing impairment. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help improve quality of life and prevent further hearing loss.