4 Signs Your Loved One Has Hearing Loss

The chances of hearing loss increase with age and almost everyone will be affected by it at some point. Around 42% or people over 50 have it and 71% of those 70 year and above will have a hearing condition of some kind. Despite this, it can affect people of all ages depending on their genetic heritage or working environment. If your loved one has hearing loss it can be an awkward conversation to have so it's good if you can look out for the signs of it first, here's what you can watch out for.

They Listen to Devices on High Volumes 

Do you walk into a room and the TV is blaring but your loved one is watching it without any issues? Or perhaps you notice they are listening to music or an audiobook on their devices which is set to a high volume, about 80 decibels. 

If you discover one or two of these features in your loved one's life, it's an indication that their hearing capacity is in decline. This happens when tiny hair cells die and don't regrow. The best response is to visit an audiologist for a hearing test. 

They Ask You to Repeat Yourself 

When a loved one asks you to repeat yourself it's generally for one of two reasons, they are either not paying attention or they can't hear what you said. If you suspect it's the latter you should test your theory out before raising the idea of seeing an audiologist for a hearing test. 

Inside the ear there are tiny hair cells that pick-up sound waves and send them on to the cochlea where those sound waves are converted into nerve signals for the brain to interpret. As we age those tiny hairs die and aren't replaced leading to hearing deterioration. But a hearing device can help. 

They Avoid Socializing 

It can be awkward and difficult for someone to socialize when their hearing starts to decline, they often have to ask people to speak up or to repeat themselves. This can be frustrating for the individual and the speaker leading to an avoidance of social situations. If you notice your loved one avoiding social situations that they once enjoyed and seem to make excuses not to go along, it could be a sign of hearing loss, especially if this is coupled with other signs such as listening to the TV at a high volume. 

Loud Noises Don’t Affect Them

Noises that damage the tiny hairs on the inner ear and result in hearing loss occur at volumes of over 80 decibels, these noises include heavy traffic, power tools and music concerts. If you find these noises too loud yourself but they don't affect your loved one, it's a clear sign of hearing loss. 

Consider your loved one's age and working environment, also think about other signs of hearing loss that might occur in conjunction with this. If it seems to indicate hearing loss you can raise it with your partner and attend an audiologist for a test and a helpful hearing device.