Addressing Hidden Hearing Loss
Thousands of Americans are suffering from hearing loss, and as we get older, that hearing loss can have profound effects on our mental health. But it can be difficult to know when you need to address the problem. Some people can go years without realizing that their problems need to be attended to. In this blog, we’ll outline some of the indicators that it may be time to see a specialist and choose a set of hearing aids for severe hearing loss.
Feelings of Frustration
It’s very common for people to lose their hearing rapidly and not realize it. Identifying the signs of hearing loss can be difficult. At first, you may struggle to hear people who are chatting with you. But very quickly, you can find yourself becoming completely unaware of the happenings around you. It can feel very frustrating to not understand why this is happening. Sometimes, it may feel like people are mumbling. Hidden hearing loss can also result in many fights surrounding your ability to listen to your spouse and family members. It’s not uncommon for family members to say things like “I already told you this” or “Don’t you remember? I told you that.”
In these instances, frustration is completely natural. When you find that this is occurring, it can be a sure sign that you need to address hidden hearing loss. Making an appointment with an audiologist can help, as well as choosing from many brands of hearing aids for severe hearing loss.
Hopelessness and Embarrassment
If instances like we previously mentioned continue, it can be easy to transition into stages of hopelessness and embarrassment. At this stage, you undoubtedly feel that something is wrong. You find yourself questioning your short-term memory, even though your recollection of old events is crystal clear.
You might feel embarrassed that you can’t recall conversations that people swear up and down that they’ve had with you. You might even remember seeing them on the day of the conversation, but not the words themselves. Regretfully, that embarrassment can keep people who are suffering from hidden hearing loss from reaching out and receiving the proper care.
And if things continue to decline, this can lead to a state of hopelessness for the affected person. During hopelessness, it’s common to feel like you can’t make a difference. Something is wrong, but you don’t know what that something is. Stay aware of your or your loved one’s behavior.
Tiredness and Detachment
This is the final stage of hidden hearing loss. Once a loved one reaches this stage of hearing loss, it is common to find them seemingly detached from what’s occurring around them. They might appear more tired than usual, spending most of the day in a trance or state of absentmindedness.
It is critical here that you consult with an expert to reverse the effects of hearing loss.
Righting the Course
It’s important not to lose hope. With hearing aids, it’s easy to drastically change someone’s mindset by restoring their world. Finding the right solution can make a drastic difference in the well-being of someone affected by hidden hearing loss.
If you think hidden hearing loss may be affecting you or someone you know, book an appointment with the specialists at Amdahl Hearing.