Is Your Hearing Loss Worsening this Fall? When to Seek a Hearing Specialist

Nearly 48 million people across the US experience hearing loss, indicating the condition is much more common than you may assume. And just like leaves change in the fall, your hearing can go through some shifts, too. So, as you prepare for the season, it’s worth paying close attention to any changes in your hearing. It’s important to recognize the signs that your hearing might be declining and understanding when to consult your hearing specialist. You can still enjoy the fall season, but seeking help on time can make all the difference. Here is when to see a hearing specialist to determine whether your hearing loss is worsening this fall.

When to See a Hearing Specialist

If you experience any of the signs below, it may indicate that your hearing loss is declining, and it’s time to consult your audiologist:

Experiencing Tinnitus

Tinnitus, characterized as whirring, buzzing or whooshing noises without no external cause, can be challenging to overcome without professional intervention. Sometimes, it’s just a temporary side effect of being around loud sounds, but if it lasts more than a few days, it may be more serious. Luckily, your audiologist can recommend devices with masking features that will provide you much-needed relief.

Always Turning Up the TV Volume

Do you need to increase the TV volume to catch your favorite shows? Or do you have people around you who seem bothered about the increased volume? Perhaps you constantly have to ask people to repeat themselves when you’re chatting with them. If conversations are a bit blurry and your TV remote is your new best friend, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Sometimes, hearing loss creeps in without you realizing it. But when it becomes obvious, it’s a good cue to visit your audiologist as soon as possible.

Avoiding Social Events

The fall season often involves several seasonal functions. This could range from Halloween activities with your children to gatherings with your friends and loved ones. However, if you don’t feel enthused by activities you used to have so much interest in or are skipping out on get-togethers lately, you may be experiencing hearing loss.

In that case, it may be time to consult a hearing specialist. When you can’t quite keep up with the chit-chat at parties or gatherings, it can make you feel left out, leading to social withdrawal. But there’s a silver lining; your audiologist can advise you on how to reduce the background noise and focus on the fun stuff so that you can enjoy each moment to the fullest this season.

Earwax Buildup

Everybody has some amount of earwax, so it’s not unusual to notice a buildup. However, it can become serious and negatively impact your hearing if it becomes impacted. Earwax is easily removed by your audiologist and is incredibly safe and non-invasive. Remember to avoid earwax removal at home, as DIY kits can worsen the problem and trying to scrape the substance out on your own could lead to a ruptured eardrum.

Sudden Hearing Loss

You may already be aware of hearing loss in one ear. But if you suddenly notice changes in your other ear or your hearing isn’t doing better like before, it may be cause for concern. Sudden hearing loss can sneak up for various reasons, like a wax block, a hole in your eardrum, ear trauma or even a head injury. It’s prudent to attend to this immediately and treat it like an emergency. Go to your health facility and follow up with your audiologist. That increases the chances of early detection and determining whether your hearing aids need to be fine-tuned or upgraded.

You’re Due for a Checkup

And last but not least, if you’re overdue for a hearing check, it’s time to fit that into your schedule. At this stage, it would help to ask yourself a few questions for a clearer perspective. These include:

• Your age, for example, whether you’re above 60
• The nature of your job or whether you’ve recently been engaged in an activity that made your ears ring
• How long it has been since your last hearing test
• Uncertainty on whether your hearing aids are functioning properly

These factors make a compelling case to see your audiologist, especially when your hearing loss worsens.

Contact Advance Hearing Center Today

If you can relate to many of the above situations, you are due for an appointment with your audiologist. Speak to the experienced team at Advance Hearing Center at one of following locations: Mount Pleasant: (724) 542-2011, Greensburg: (724) 216-0665, Ligonier: (724) 995-2020 or Johnstown: (814) 792-2483 to learn more.