Gathering, processing and interpreting sounds is one of the ways we interact with the world around us and make sense of our experiences. We use vision and sounds to connect with each other and make memories.¹

So what happens when you can’t hear as well as you once did?

You might be reluctant to engage in activities you once used to love, choosing instead to retreat to a safe space because you simply can’t hear well enough to enjoy the people and the environment around you.

Because hearing loss often occurs slowly, it can be difficult to recognize at first, as changes happen little by little. If you’re noticing any of the following it may be time to check your hearing:

1. Difficulty following conversations

Do you find it challenging to follow conversations in noisy places, like restaurants or family gatherings? If group discussions leave you feeling lost or exhausted from trying to keep up, your hearing could be the reason.

2. People seem to be mumbling

If you often ask others to repeat themselves or feel like people aren’t speaking clearly, it may not be them—it may be your hearing. When certain sounds become harder to distinguish, speech can start to sound muffled or unclear.

3. Difficulty locating sounds

Have you ever heard your name but weren’t sure who called you? Or struggled to figure out where a noise—like a ringing phone or honking car—is coming from? Difficulty locating sounds can be another sign of hearing loss.

Recognizing signs early can make a big difference. Not only can improved hearing help you experience the world around you to the fullest, but it can also have a positive impact on your day-to-day activities. When you hear better, you communicate better, boosting your confidence and ability to connect with those around you.

What’s my next step?

Schedule an appointment with a hearing health professional who can assess the status of your hearing health by administering a simple hearing test.

If you’re feeling unsure about what to expect at your appointment, you may find this video helpful. Zoomer’s own Marilyn Lightstone recently visited a HearingLife clinic to get a hearing test and speak to an audiologist about the importance of checking on your ears.

A lot of people live with hearing loss without even realizing it, so being proactive and having it checked out before it gets any worse makes sense. To book a free test at a HearingLife clinic near you, visit HearingLifeAdvantage.ca or call 1-888-620-6386.

_{Sources:
¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20366/}