Pure tone audiometry is usually used when evaluating and diagnosing issues related to hearing loss. You need to get this test regularly for detection and effective treatment. You may consider this test if you notice various warning signs. Difficulties in clearly understanding people in a conversation are the first warning sign. The inability to hear in places with the background can cause you to withdraw from social situations subsequently. Here are some of the common signs that you need to see an audiologist.
Difficulty in Hearing Others
Difficulty in clearly understanding people usually is the first main warning sign. For instance, you may perceive everybody as either constantly mumbling or speaking too low. Most people, therefore, ask loved ones to repeat words or to speak up. If you strain to listen to a conversation on the phone can also be a common occurrence. People may not be able to hear children and women as they tend to have high-pitched voices.
Difficulty Hearing in Crowded Places
Some people notice that words usually are getting drowned out by background noise when conversing with somebody in crowded areas like a party, busy street or restaurant. If you notice a problem with pinpointing even the general location of some sounds and voice in a crowded room, you need to consider a hearing test.
Inability to socialize even in moderately crowded areas due to hearing loss can be frustrating and can prove debilitating. Because listening is half of the social interaction, people can withdraw from conversations to avoid embarrassment. It is therefore imperative to take the hearing test if you notice this warning sign.
Increase in Volume on Radio and TV
You may feel that your TV and radio are always at a volume that is too low for comfort or enjoyments, but the volume setting may not be the problem. A common warning sign includes having to crank up the volume on the radio and TV constantly. Loved ones on meanwhile can complain that the devices are too loud. This warning sign can serve as a common cause.
Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus usually is described as buzzing or ringing in the ears, but the sound has been described as a roar, click or hiss. Tinnitus is caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises, so preventive measures like keeping devices at a moderate volume and earplugs are advised strongly. This condition is not a disease but a sign of a bigger issue like an ear infection.
If you notice any of these issues, you need to immediately see an audiologist for a hearing test and treatment if necessary.
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