When we discuss hearing loss, people often shrug it off because silence is easy to ignore. It’s also easy to dismiss an inability to hear on a phone or in a crowded restaurant as being an isolated incident.
The truth is that hearing loss occurs at different levels, so not being able to hear in certain situations or environments can be a sign of hearing loss.
Here are some questions than can help determine your hearing health and if you have a hearing deficit:
Do you often:
- Have a problem hearing on the telephone?
- Have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background?
- Strain to understand a conversation?
- Misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?
- Ask people to repeat themselves?
- Hear a ringing, roaring or hissing sound?
- Have trouble understanding when women or children speak?
- Think people seem to mumble or not speak clearly?
- Have people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?
If you answer "yes" to three or more of these questions, you could have a hearing problem and should make an appointment to have your hearing evaluated. Contact Waterville Audiology at 207-872-0320 for a hearing test. You could ring in the New Year enjoying the many sounds of life that you have been missing.
Dr. Becca Rancourt, AuD., CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology
Waterville Audiology