Peter studied hearing aid fitting at the world headquarters of Starkey Labs. He was able to have hands on training with the company’s founder, Bill Austin. He has also undergone advanced training in the smallest, nearly invisible style hearing aids, and has expanded his education by traveling to Denmark to learn directly from European hearing aid manufacturers. He continues to attend conferences and training seminars to stay current on the rapidly evolving world of hearing aid technology.
Latest posts by Peter Lucier, HIS (see all)
- How to Determine When to Schedule a Hearing Evaluation - January 16, 2025
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Hearing is something most people take for granted, but like many aspects of health, it can gradually change without notice. Over time, small shifts in hearing ability can build up, affecting communication and quality of life. That’s why knowing when it’s time for a hearing test is important. Hearing evaluations help catch problems early, allowing for better management and treatment.
Difficulty Hearing Conversations in Noisy Settings
One of the earliest signs of hearing loss is trouble following conversations in noisy places like restaurants, family gatherings, or busy streets. The background noise blends in with the voices, making it hard to focus. This can lead to frustration and even avoidance of social situations. When understanding speech in these environments becomes a consistent challenge, it’s a strong sign to consider scheduling a hearing test.
Frequently Asking Others to Repeat Themselves
Another common indicator of potential hearing issues is needing people to repeat what they’ve said more frequently. If phrases like “What was that?” or “Could you say that again?” are becoming more frequent in daily conversations, it could point to a gradual decline in hearing. This isn’t just limited to soft-spoken individuals; it may even happen with louder voices or in quieter environments.
Turning Up the Volume on Devices
When the volume on the TV, phone, or radio keeps creeping up higher than what others find comfortable, it may be an early sign of hearing changes. This is especially noticeable when family members or friends comment that the volume is too loud, yet it still feels normal. Reaching for the remote to increase the sound more often might signal that a hearing test is in order.
Trouble Hearing High-Pitched Sounds
High-pitched sounds, like birds chirping or children’s voices, are often the first frequencies to become harder to hear. Missing these sounds in everyday life might not seem significant at first, but it’s a key sign of early hearing loss. If conversations with children or higher-pitched voices seem muffled or distant, it’s time to pay closer attention.
Feeling Tired After Listening
Listening fatigue is another subtle but telling sign. Straining to hear conversations, especially in group settings or noisy environments, can be exhausting. This constant effort can lead to mental fatigue or even physical discomfort after long periods of active listening. If this feeling of being drained after a conversation becomes a regular occurrence, it’s a strong signal that a hearing evaluation could be beneficial.
Struggling with Phone Conversations
For many, hearing over the phone can be trickier than in-person conversations. Phones often filter out background noise, making voices sound different. However, if phone calls have become especially difficult to follow or require a lot of concentration, this might be a sign of hearing loss. The inability to catch all the words during phone conversations often indicates the need for a professional hearing test.
Family and Friends Have Noticed Changes
Sometimes, those around us notice changes in hearing before we do. Family members or friends might comment on things like missed parts of conversations or the frequent need for repetition. These observations, while sometimes uncomfortable to hear, are valuable clues that a hearing test could be necessary. Paying attention to these outside perspectives can be one of the clearest signs that it’s time to act.