Our senses filter sensory information. Many people are aware that their hearing has deteriorated but are reluctant to seek help. Most just do not want to acknowledge that they have a problem. Many older people feel that it is a sign of getting old and rather than admit that they cannot hear well, they tell others that they mumble . One of the first signs of a hearing loss is when the TV is turned on loud and they keep telling others that they should stop mumbling. Another sure sign is the tell tale phrase What did you say? when conversing with an older as well as a person of any age. Most seniors don't want to acknowledge the problem, are embarrassed and would prefer to blame not hearing on something or someone else. While it is widely known that Hearing Aids can help in most instances, Seniors especially believe that it is a sign of getting old and believe that they can "get by" without using a hearing aid and wait too many wait years, even decades, before getting treatment.


Steps

1. Understand that hearing loss is not only an infliction of old age but can just as easily occur to anyone and at any age. It can be hereditary and present at birth or happen shortly after birth. Parents of new-born infants are now instructed to have their babies ears checked shortly after they take them home from the hospital.
2. Be aware of any unusual behavior problem with your children or family members. Those who have difficulty hearing can experience such distorted and incomplete communication that seriously impacts their professional and personal lives and can lead to isolation and withdrawal.
3. Look for the signs of hearing loss as they can come on slowly or suddenly and never ignore the warning signs until hearing has impaired them from normal activities, in the workplace and especially in school. Some of the more obvious signs are when a person:
   
   
   • Requires frequent repetition.
   • Feels that people are mumbling when they are talking
   • Difficulty hearing certain environmental sounds, such as birds chirping
   • Agreeing or nodding your head during conversations when you're not sure what's been said.
   • Has difficulty following conversations involving more than two people.
   • Thinks that other people sound muffled or like they're mumbling.
   • Has difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like conferences, restaurants, malls, or crowded meeting rooms.
   • Has ringing in their ears.
   • Reads lips in the movies or on TV, and intently watches a person's mouth while speaking.
   • Withdraws from social situations that you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing.
     
     
4. Recognize the signs and symptoms of hearing loss for children. If you see any of these signs, call your child's doctor immediately
   
   
   • Does not turn to the source of a sound by 3 to 4 months of age.
   • Pays attention to vibrating noises or noises that can be felt, rather than heard.
   • Does not say single words, such as "dada" or "mama" by 1 year of age.
   • Turns head when he or she sees you but not if you only call out his or her name. This is usually mistaken for not paying attention or just ignoring, but could be the result of a partial hearing loss.
   • Hears some sounds but not others

Tips

• Have a hearing test at least once a year. Testing at hearing aid centers are usually free and it is not painful, but rather fun.
• A hearing loss does not get better if untreated. There are many physical reasons for not hearing well.
• Focusing on one speaker in a crowded or noisy environment is often especially difficult for a person with a hearing loss.
• In a car, the engine, road or wind noise can make it hard to hear a conversation, the radio or important traffic sounds.
• Cupping your hand behind your ear can help a little, but it’s no substitute for a properly fitted hearing instrument. And remember - a hearing loss is more noticeable than a hearing aid!

Warnings

• If a physical impairment is causing you to not hear properly, ignoring the symptoms can cause you to go completely deaf, depending on what the symptoms are.
• Do not let finances stand in the way of taking a hearing test even if you do not want to buy a hearing aid.