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 hard to follow conversations.
The inability to follow along with conversations in loud environments often serves as an early indicator of hearing loss, in spite of conventional hearing tests yielding normal results. You still may have trouble discerning conversations even with “Normal” hearing.
Considerable brain power is required to carry out the complex task of speech comprehension. Optimal hearing abilities are required to distinguish voices in loud environments.
As hearing begins to go, the brain faces challenges in separating and processing speech signals amidst competing sounds. Consequently, settings like busy offices or crowded restaurants become mentally fatiguing.
Identifying hearing loss when it’s in its early stages
Early signs of hearing loss manifest in a variety of ways:
- Distraction and decreased engagement in social interactions.
- Increased mental fatigue as a result of heightened concentration required for listening.
- When in noisy settings, conversations are difficult to understand.
Hearing loss assessments
Detecting such challenges can be challenging, especially when traditional diagnostics suggest normal hearing. Here are some tests being formulated by researchers to diagnose hearing loss in its early stages:
- Monitoring Electrical Signals: In this test, a device tracks the electrical EEG signals sent by your ears to your brain. If these signals change in a specific way while you’re in a crowded or loud environment, that could be a strong indication of some problems with your hearing.
- The Eye Test: For this test, you wear a special pair of glasses. These glasses can keep track of the movement and dilation of your pupils. If your pupils behave in a certain way, it implies that you’re concentrating a bit harder than usual. But it could be an indication that you’re straining to hear if this occurs in a noisy setting.
These tests, in conjunction with personal observations, aim to identify hearing issues at their nascent phases, aiding early intervention.
What are the advantages of early detection?
There are two significant benefits to early detection.
- It offers clarity regarding difficulties faced in environments like open offices, mitigating potential aggravations.
- Addressing hearing loss quickly prevents cognitive decline related to untreated hearing impairments.
If you’re experiencing difficulty following conversations despite “normal” hearing, consider seeking a professional assessment.
Early diagnosis ensures timely intervention, enhancing overall auditory health and cognitive function. Schedule a hearing exam today and explore options right for you.
