Have you noticed that your spouse, grandkids, or even coworkers are beginning to mumble? Is it even more challenging when you go out to a restaurant for dinner? If so, it may be time to ask yourself a few questions:
1. Are you frequently asking people to repeat themselves?
2. Is it hard to hear certain voices such as women’s and children’s?
3. Do others comment on how loud you set the TV volume?
4. Do you find trying to hear at restaurants frustrating or exhausting?
5. Do you always feel like people are mumbling?
6. Do you have to be facing and standing close to the person you’re conversing with?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, it may be time to have a baseline hearing evaluation. Hearing loss most commonly occurs in a gradual manner, making it very difficult to detect. For most patients, it’s actually a spouse or loved one who notices the hearing difficulties well before they do. This is why many people wait so long to come in for a hearing test, delaying it until it becomes noticeable to themself and begins to interfere in their daily life.
To an audiologist, a hearing evaluation may seem no different than a regular medical evaluation such as bloodwork or a physical. However, for the patient, it’s frequently seen as a very big step and may even be put off several years after they first experience hearing difficulties. We’re here to encourage you to take that first step to come in and have your hearing evaluated.
It’s our job to help address all of your questions and concerns, and to make the process as simple as possible for you. Who knows – maybe there’s something that can be done so hearing doesn’t have to be a source of frustration in your life anymore!
Information Provided by Tustin Hearing Center