What are some signs of severe hearing loss?

In a world where sound is ever-present, the ability to hear is a precious gift that connects people to the symphony of life. Yet, for some, the silent struggle of severe hearing loss casts a shadow on this experience after a workplace accident.

There are several signs that may reveal the presence of serious hearing impairment.

Inability to hear subtle sounds

A sign of severe hearing loss is the diminishing ability to detect quiet sounds. The rustle of leaves, the ticking of a clock or the distant chirping of birds may gradually fade into silence. If someone seems oblivious to these once-familiar sounds, it could signal a decline in their hearing.

Loss of directional hearing

Severe hearing impairment can impact the ability to identify the direction of sounds accurately. Individuals may struggle to tell whether a noise is coming from their left or right. This difficulty in finding sounds can confuse people in environments with multiple sources of noise.

Impaired balance and coordination

An unexpected sign of severe hearing loss is a decline in balance and coordination. Issues can arise in the inner ear, which plays a role in both hearing and balance. Individuals may experience dizziness or unsteadiness, especially when moving or changing positions.

Reduced awareness of surroundings

Severe hearing loss can lead to a diminished awareness of one’s surroundings. Individuals may become less responsive to environmental cues, such as alarms, sirens or approaching footsteps. This reduced situational awareness can be dangerous.

Altered speech patterns

Those with severe hearing loss might unknowingly change their own speech, mispronouncing words or speaking louder than needed. These subtle changes are signs of the challenges they face in perceiving and reproducing speech accurately.

With 15.5% of Americans older than 20 facing partial or complete hearing loss, uncovering new signs of this problem is important for timely intervention after a workplace accident. By addressing it quickly, individuals can regain control over their auditory world and feel more confident.