Your workplace has opted to encourage teamwork and cooperation by opening up the office floor plan. But this new setup has become challenging for you. Not because you miss the privacy of cubicle walls, but because the increased noise makes it difficult to follow conversations.
The inability to follow conversations in loud settings often serves as an early indicator of hearing loss, in spite of conventional hearing tests producing normal results. You still may have trouble discerning conversations even with “Normal” hearing.
The complexity of speech perception
Substantial brain power is required to tackle the complex task of speech comprehension. Differentiating speech from background noise and focusing on particular voices amidst a cacophony of sounds requires optimal hearing capabilities.
It becomes increasingly demanding for the brain to focus in on speech in noisy settings as we get older. Because of this, it becomes mentally fatiguing to be in noisy environments like restaurants and bustling offices.
How to recognize the early signs of hearing loss
Here are a few ways that early hearing loss can manifest:
- Problems understanding conversations in loud environments.
- The brain has to work extra hard to comprehend speech causing increased mental tiredness.
- Distraction and decreased engagement in social interactions.
Testing for hearing loss
Uncovering such difficulties can be tricky, particularly when conventional diagnostics indicate normal hearing. Here are a couple of tests being formulated by scientists to identify hearing loss in its early stages:
- The Eye Test: A special pair of glasses is used in this test. These glasses can monitor the movement and dilation of your pupils. If your pupils behave in a certain way, it suggests that you’re concentrating a bit harder than usual. But it could be a sign that you’re straining to hear if this occurs in a noisy setting.
- Monitoring Electrical Signals: The electrical signal transmitted from your ears to your brain is monitored by an EEG in this test. It will be a potent sign that you’re having some hearing difficulty if these signals fluctuate in a specific way when you’re in a crowded place.
Early intervention will be possible if these tests, along with personal observation, are able to identify hearing problems in their very early stages.
What are the benefits of early detection?
Discovering even minor hearing loss early has two substantial advantages.
- Cognitive decline associated with neglected hearing loss can be avoided with early detection.
- It alleviates aggravation by providing clarity about the difficulties of being in places like open office plans.
If you’re experiencing trouble following conversations in spite of “normal” hearing, think about seeking a professional evaluation.
Early detection ensures timely intervention, enhancing overall auditory health and cognitive function. Schedule a hearing test today and investigate solutions right for you.