Audiologists are the doctors of hearing. They diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss in patients. Audiologists have a deep understanding of how to help people with their hearing challenges, but sometimes you do not need an audiologist for that specific reason.
Most people go to see an audiologist because they do not know why they should go or what will happen when they do. So, how do you know that you need to see an audiologist? Well, you can keep an eye out for these signs.
#1 You Have Difficulty Following a Conversation in a Noisy Place
If you find yourself having to strain your ears to hear someone speak, or if they have to repeat themselves over and over again, it might be time to see an audiologist. It is especially true if you notice that this difficulty happens more often in certain environments than others – for example, in a loud bar where everyone is talking at once.
If you find yourself struggling with this regularly, seeing an audiologist may help determine if it is due to hearing loss that can be corrected with a hearing aid. For kids, there are special training facilities available at this audiologist in Atlanta, GA. Through these training modules, medical treatment can be avoided, which is the ideal option for kids.
#2 You Find Yourself Turning up the Volume on Your TV
Turning up the volume on your TV or radio or asking others to repeat themselves are signs that you may be experiencing hearing loss. If the problem is severe enough, you could be dealing with an entirely different issue – tinnitus.
Tinnitus is an annoying buzzing or ringing sound in one’s ear that can disrupt sleep and cause a general feeling of discomfort. It is vital to get your hearing checked by a professional as soon as possible if you think these symptoms apply to you. You may be able to get hearing aids from your doctor, but these devices can be expensive and require regular maintenance.
#3 People Complain That You Are Mumbling
If you are having trouble speaking clearly, it may be time to visit an audiologist. The reasons for this can vary, but one of the most common is hearing loss. Speech disorders are often the result of hearing impairment. So, if your speech impediment is not caused by a cognitive or neurological disorder (like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s), it is likely that you have trouble hearing yourself speak.
This is especially true if other people complain that they cannot understand what you are saying because your words sound muffled or unclear. If this happens often enough, it could be an indication that you need a hearing aid to better communicate with others.
#4 You Often Misunderstand What Someone Said
If you have trouble understanding what someone is saying, it can be uncomfortable to ask for clarification. However, failing to do so may lead to miscommunication and confusion. For example, if you missed what someone just said and responded with “Huh?” or “What?”, this will make them feel as though they have not been heard or understood. If this happens several times during a conversation, they may stop talking altogether because they feel that they are not being listened to or understood.
Doing this frequently is a sign that you need to see an audiologist. The sooner you book that appointment, the better.
#5 You Have Trouble Hearing Consonant Sounds Like “S” and “F”
If you have difficulty hearing the consonant sounds “s” and “f,” this is a sign of hearing loss. If you have trouble distinguishing between these sounds, it could mean that you have mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss (i.e., loss of frequencies above 2,000 Hz).
Loss of these sounds is common in people with hearing loss as they age. However, it can also occur from other causes such as wax build-up in the ears or ear infections.
If you are having difficulty understanding what your friends are saying, or when someone calls your name from across the room – even if they speak loudly – it may be time to see an audiologist. They can assess whether there is a medical reason for this problem and recommend treatment options accordingly.
#6 You Cannot Hear Higher Pitched Sounds
If you are struggling to hear high-pitched sounds, it could be a sign that you need to see an audiologist. As we age, our hearing gets worse, and the ability to hear higher frequencies starts going away first.
If you notice that what once sounded like bird chirps are now more like a dull roar or even silence, it is time to ask your friends if they think your hearing is getting worse. If they say yes, call and make an appointment with an audiologist.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see an audiologist as soon as possible. Starting with an evaluation can help find out what is causing the problem and get you on track to recovery.