Most experts will place an emphasis on the importance of hearing health, and how it should always be considered when patients come in for a consultation. This is primarily because hearing loss appears gradually. There are signs that point to declining hearing health, particularly with how it can impact daily activities. If you notice that your hearing abilities are not as sharp as they used to be, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Do a Hearing Test
When people tell you that you speak loudly or if you think people speak in muffled voices, take it as a sign that you need to go for a hearing consultation. Tell your doctor about your symptoms so they can book a hearing test. Before you undergo this screening process, you may be asking – how do hearing loss tests work? The first part would be an physical examination of your ears to see if you have any existing infections or ear wax impaction that may be contributing to your declining hearing ability. If there is none, an audiologist will check whether you can actually hear the right pitch and volume.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
If you have poor hearing, it will do you some good to avoid places with loud noises. Parties or events with loud noises should be avoided to lessen the risk of hearing impairment. In case your work environment exposes you to loud noise, it will be better to invest in earplugs or earmuffs to help dampen the noise. If possible, you may request your immediate supervisor to transfer you to a department where you won’t be exposed to loud noises constantly.
Step 3: Learn How to Use Hearing Aids
Learning how to use hearing aids should be easy. Ideally, you should start wearing them when you feel that your hearing impairment is gradually declining. This way, your brain will have enough time to adapt to the noises within your environment. Since it will be a new lifestyle for you, it may take a while to get used to .
Step 4: Let Others Know
People may find it hard to tell if you have hearing problems, so it would be better if you can alert them to your impairment so they can be more understanding of your situation. In fact, they may even use different strategies that will allow you to hear better. For instance, they can make sure that they are facing you when speaking so it would be easier for you to make sense of what they are saying.
Step 5: Learn Verbal Cues
You can’t always rely on your hearing aids, so it is also important to learn verbal cues. Since you may have trouble hearing, it will help you understand what other people are saying by reading their lips or their facial expressions.
Step 6: Find Suitable Listening Environments
Whenever you need to meet with someone, it will help if you can choose places that are best suited for hearing capacity. You may think nothing of it, but there are physical attributes that can make it easier for you to hear. For instance, a meeting room with acoustic ceilings is better at reducing the echo to help you hear better. Ensure there are no distractions, if you work or live in a busy environment, close windows before meetings.
Step 7: Find Quiet Time
It is important for people with hearing impairments to find a quiet time. Setting aside at least 30 minutes to an hour a day when you can be in silence will do so many wonders for your ears, particularly in reducing the possibility of listening fatigue.
Follow these steps if you suspect hearing loss, so you can get immediate diagnosis and early treatment.