Your workplace recently embraced the trend of open-office floor plans, promoting cooperation and teamwork. But this new arrangement has become difficult for you. It’s because the elevated noise is making it hard to follow along with conversation and not because you miss the privacy of cubical walls.
Even if standard hearing tests indicate completely normal hearing, the inability to hear conversations in loud environments is often an early sign of hearing loss. This suggests that having “normal” hearing doesn’t guarantee the ability to comprehend speech effectively.
Speech comprehension is a complex mental task that involves significant brainpower. Optimal hearing abilities are needed to differentiate voices in noisy environments.
It becomes increasingly demanding for the brain to focus in on speech in noisy settings as we get older. As a result, it becomes mentally fatiguing to be in loud environments like restaurants and bustling offices.
Identifying hearing loss when it’s in its early phases
Early signs of hearing loss manifest in various ways:
- Distraction and reduced engagement in social interactions.
- Increased mental exhaustion as a result of heightened concentration required for listening.
- When in loud settings, conversations are difficult to understand.
Testing for hearing loss
Uncovering such difficulties can be challenging, especially when traditional diagnostics indicate normal hearing. However, scientists are looking into innovative tests to identify early stages of hearing loss:
- The Eye Test: A special pair of glasses is utilized in this test. The movement and dilation of your pupils can be tracked with these glasses. If you’re concentrating a bit harder than normal your pupils will react in a specific way. So if this tends to occur in crowded or noisy areas, it could be a sign that you’re having to strain to hear.
- Monitoring Electrical Signals: In this test, a device tracks the electrical EEG signals transmitted by your ears to your brain. It will be a potent sign that you’re having some hearing trouble if these signals change in a specific way when you’re in a crowded location.
Early intervention will be possible if these tests, combined with personal observation, are able to detect hearing problems in their very early stages.
What are the advantages of early detection?
There are two important advantages to early detection.
- It provides clarity with regard to challenges faced in settings like open offices, alleviating potential aggravations.
- Dealing with hearing loss promptly prevents mental decline related to untreated hearing impairments.
If you’re experiencing trouble following conversations in spite of “normal” hearing, think about seeking a professional assessment.
Early detection ensures timely intervention, enhancing overall auditory health and cognitive function. Schedule a hearing exam today and explore solutions right for you.
