Your workplace has chosen to promote teamwork and cooperation by opening up the office floor plan. However, you find yourself struggling in this new configuration. Not because you miss the privacy of cubicle walls, but because the elevated noise makes it difficult to follow conversations.
The inability to follow along with conversations in loud environments often acts as an early indicator of hearing loss, in spite of conventional hearing tests producing normal results. This suggests that having “normal” hearing doesn’t guarantee the capacity to comprehend speech effectively.
The complexity of speech perception
Substantial brain power is needed to carry out the complex task of speech recognition. Optimal hearing abilities are required to distinguish voices in noisy environments.
As hearing begins to decline, the brain encounters challenges in separating and processing speech signals amongst competing noises. Because of this, it becomes mentally exhausting to be in loud environments like restaurants and busy offices.
How to identify the early signs of hearing loss
Early signs of hearing loss manifest in various ways:
- Increased mental fatigue as a result of heightened concentration needed for listening.
- Social isolation.
- When in noisy settings, conversations are hard to make out.
Testing for hearing loss
Detecting such challenges can be tricky, especially when conventional diagnostics indicate normal hearing. However, researchers are looking at innovative tests to diagnose early signs of hearing loss:
- Monitoring Electrical Signals: In this test, a device monitors the electrical EEG signals transmitted by your ears to your brain. If these signals fluctuate in a certain way while you’re in a crowded or noisy environment, that could be a strong indication of some issues with your hearing.
- The Eye Test: For this test, you wear a special pair of glasses. These glasses can track the movement and dilation of your pupils. If you’re concentrating a bit harder than usual your pupils will behave in a particular way. But it may be an indication that you’re straining to hear if this happens in a loud setting.
Early intervention will be possible if these tests, along with personal observation, are able to identify hearing issues in their very early stages.
The benefits of early detection
Detecting even minor hearing loss early provides two considerable advantages.
- It offers clarity with regard to difficulties faced in environments like open offices, mitigating potential aggravations.
- Cognitive decline related to untreated hearing loss can be prevented with early detection.
If you’re experiencing difficulty following conversations despite “normal” hearing, think about finding a professional evaluation.
Early diagnosis assures timely intervention, enhancing overall auditory health and mental function. Contact us today and let us help you with any hearing loss you may have.