If you’ve been having trouble hearing, or find yourself consistently turning up the volume on your television or devices, you may be one of the 28.8 million Americans who could benefit from hearing aids. Unfortunately, it takes most people more than five years to make that decision for themselves.
You may not know if you’re a candidate for hearing aids and you may wish you didn’t need to consider wearing them. However, if you’re experiencing age-related or other forms of hearing loss, adopting hearing aids can have a positive impact on your overall quality of life.
Hearing aids can help you maintain social relationships during aging. Age-related hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss, with 25% of people aged 65 and over experiencing hearing loss. As you age, consider these factors when trying to determine if you’re a candidate for hearing aids.
Can You Follow Conversations?
If you struggle to hear conversations from more than a few feet away, it could be a sign your hearing is declining. You also may find yourself regularly asking people to repeat themselves or struggle tracking conversations.
Hearing aids can amplify speech sounds, allowing for an easier time hearing speech in any direction. They also assist with your ability to hear speech from distances which can allow you to reduce the number of times you need someone to repeat themselves.
Your Friends or Family Are Concerned About Your Hearing
Sometimes family and friends may notice hearing loss before you do. If your loved ones share this concern with you, know that they likely have your best interest in mind and it’s something you should take seriously. If your family or friends have shared concerns about your hearing, consider scheduling a hearing test and bringing one of them along with you to the appointment.
You Struggle to Hear in Noisy Settings
A sign of hearing loss is the inability to hear conversations in noisy settings. If you consistently struggle to interact with your barista at Coffee Times Coffee House, it may be a sign you’re a candidate for hearing aids. Hearing aids allow you to participate in conversations in noisy settings without straining. Constant straining to hear can be tiring; hearing aids may be able to provide relief.
As always, it’s important to maintain your hearing health and consult a hearing specialist if you suspect your hearing is declining. It’s better to catch hearing loss early to take proactive measures to preserve your remaining hearing.
For questions about hearing aids or to schedule a hearing test, contact The Hearing & Speech Center to request an appointment.
