There is a range of sounds that humans have the ability to hear, and we are unable to hear sounds that fall outside that range (like a dog whistle). A person with normal hearing can perceive sounds at frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz.
When you suffer from hearing loss your range starts to change and narrow. Often, in the earlier stages of hearing loss higher frequency sounds will become harder to hear. These include sounds such as:
- Speech, especially the voices of children and women that tend to be higher pitched
- Birds chirping
- Musical instruments like flutes and piccolos
Early Signs of Hearing Loss
There are several other early signs that you may be experiencing hearing loss.
- Family or friends comment on your hearing
- People seem to mumble often
- You have trouble following conversations in groups, especially in places with background noise, like Tyler’s Barbeque
- Telephone conversations are difficult to follow
Struggling to Understand Speech Can Leave You Isolated
Hearing loss causes you to miss out on more than just certain sounds. It can distance you from your friends and loved ones.
When you have hearing loss, your brain has to work harder to understand speech and sound. This can be a tiring and frustrating process. Many people experience feelings of anger, depression and anxiety. If you have untreated hearing loss, you might feel inclined to isolate yourself from others and avoid activities you used to enjoy. This is why it’s critical to get your hearing tested at the first signs of hearing loss.
Tests and Treatment
If you are worried about your hearing, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will perform a standard hearing test or possibly a series of tests to determine things like how your ears respond to loud sounds, how well you can hear speech and what type of hearing loss you have.
Your treatment will be determined by the results of your exams. Hearing aids are a common treatment for hearing loss. They can help you hear sounds you’ve started to miss and allow you to continue to connect with others. Your audiologist will work with you to find the best model, fit and technology that works with your lifestyle, and will help guide you through every step of the process as you adjust to your new way of hearing.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert, call Amarillo Hearing Clinic today.
