Although most of us have never “watched paint dry” or “watched grass grow,” we understand the meaning behind the much-used illustrations. In reality, hearing loss comes on at the same pace as drying paint or growing grass, which makes it difficult for the person experiencing it to notice the change.

Because you may not notice the change, co-workers, friends, and family will probably notice your hearing loss before you do. To encourage Norwalk and Hamden area residents to follow the advice of their loved ones and seek help with their hearing loss before it becomes a noticeable struggle, I have compiled a list of ways others might notice your hearing loss before you do.

Your friends and loved ones are frustrated with having to repeat themselves. Being asked to repeat yourself once in a while is pretty common, and most people don’t mind providing clarity on occasion. What has your family and friends frustrated is the need to have to repeat themselves numerous times throughout a conversation because you are struggling to hear them. Others have a puzzled look or laugh when you respond to questions or jokes. Those with a hearing loss often miss key sounds or words in a conversation, which causes them to misinterpret what has been said. When you don’t have the proper context of the question or joke, your response might be way off the mark or even silly to those around you. Family members are tired of being accused of mumbling. Although there are a few exceptions, most people speak clearly enough to be heard as long as your auditory system is working properly. Blaming others for not speaking loud enough or mumbling becomes a defense mechanism or form of denial that often leads to accusations made by the person struggling with a hearing loss. “Would you turn the TV down?" Excessive volume on the television is hard to live with for friends and loved ones who are not struggling with their hearing. Although it often comes out as being rude, asking you to turn down the TV or the stereo with increasing frequency is a frustrated means of telling you that you are losing your hearing. Others have to make an extra effort to get your attention so they can talk to you. When someone with a hearing loss speaks to another person face to face, they are able to pick up non-verbal signals, which allows them to understand the conversation. Consequently, when you have a hearing loss, they have to tap you on the shoulder, raise their voice, clap their hands, or use some other means to get your attention when your back is turned or you are looking away. “You need to get your ears checked!” Whether you hear this as a family member storms off in anger or during a calm, frank discussion, this is an honest effort to try to make you aware that others recognize your hearing loss even if you don’t. Recognize that they have noticed your struggle and are really looking out for your welfare.

AVI New England Does Hearing Screenings

Your quality of life is connected to the quality of your relationships, which can become strained due to the frustration of living and/or working with someone who is unaware of their hearing loss. As objective, neutral parties, the AVI New England team and I do hearing screenings in order to help you get the help you need and restore your strained relationships. Whether or not you notice your hearing loss, a hearing assessment allows you to know the truth, prevents additional damage, and if nothing else, will get co-workers, friends, and loved ones off your back about your hearing. Contact us for more information about early signs of hearing loss or to schedule a hearing assessment.