Your workplace recently embraced the trend of open-office floor plans, encouraging cooperation and teamwork. However, you find yourself struggling in this new setup. Not because you miss the privacy of cubicle walls, but because the increased noise makes it difficult to follow conversations.
Even if conventional hearing tests indicate completely normal hearing, the inability to hear conversations in noisy environments is often an early sign of hearing loss. You still may have trouble discerning conversations even with “Normal” hearing.
The complexity of speech perception
Considerable brain power is required to carry out the complex task of speech recognition. Optimal hearing abilities are needed to distinguish voices in noisy environments.
As hearing begins to decline, the brain encounters difficulties in separating and processing speech signals amongst competing sounds. As a result, settings like bustling offices or crowded restaurants become mentally exhausting.
How to recognize the early signs of hearing loss
Early signs of hearing loss manifest in a variety of ways:
- Social isolation.
- The brain has to work extra hard to comprehend speech leading to increased mental tiredness.
- Trouble understanding conversations in loud environments.
Hearing loss tests
It can be particularly difficult to detect these kinds of difficulties when standard hearing diagnostics seem to reveal normal hearing. However, scientists are looking into innovative tests to identify early signs of hearing loss:
- The Eye Test: A special set of glasses is used in this test. The movement and dilation of your pupils can be monitored with these glasses. If you’re concentrating a little harder than normal your pupils will behave in a particular way. But it may be an indication that you’re straining to hear if this occurs in a loud 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 strong sign that you’re having some hearing trouble if these signals fluctuate in a particular 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 issues in their very early stages.
What are the benefits of early detection?
There are two significant benefits to early detection.
- It provides clarity with regard to challenges faced in settings like open offices, mitigating potential aggravations.
- Mental decline associated with untreated hearing loss can be prevented with early detection.
If you’re experiencing trouble following conversations despite “normal” hearing, think about finding a professional assessment.
Early diagnosis ensures timely intervention, enhancing total auditory health and mental function. Schedule a hearing test today and investigate options right for you.