Warning Signs of Hearing Loss
The warning signs of hearing loss may vary, depending on the age of the patients. Here are some of the signs you should look for:
Children
- Doesn’t respond to name being called
- Doesn’t turn to locate sounds after six months of age
- Doesn’t respond when back is turned or from across the room
- Speech and language is delayed. Click here to refer to normal speech language milestones
In addition, if your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, a medical evaluation is recommended:
- Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear
- History of active drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days
- History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days
- Acute or chronic dizziness
- Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within the previous 90 days
- Visible evidence of significant cerumen (wax) accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal
- Pain or discomfort in the ear
Adults
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a hearing loss, and a hearing evaluation with an audiologist is recommended:
- Difficulty hearing in background noise
- Difficulty understanding women’s and children’s voices
- “I hear fine, but it sounds like people mumble!”
- Speech sounds are muffled
- Turning the TV or radio louder than others
- Asking people to repeat; saying “huh” or “what” often
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Ears feel stopped up
Hearing Loss Prevention
Did you know that hearing loss from noise is 100% preventable? To avoid noise-induced hearing loss, wear hearing protection around loud noises, such as when using lawn equipment or power tools, when driving motorcycles, or when attending noisy events such as concerts or truck or car racing or entertainment events. The noise from firearms is so loud that just one time without hearing protection can cause permanent hearing loss. Special hearing protection earmuffs should be worn anytime using firearms.
Hearing loss from overuse of MP3 players can be prevented, as well. If your child maxes out the volume for five or more minutes a day, they could be permanently damaging their hearing. MP3 players have a volume control limiting function on the newer models, and can be downloaded onto some older models. For safety, set the volume line at 60% or less of the player’s maximum level.
