subject: The Telephone And The Hearing Test [print this page] When it comes to needing a hearing test, one of the first tell-tale signs is the inability to hear well on the phone. A telephone is a unique device when it comes to the ability to communicate. Since a person is speaking directly into it, the sound can be loud at times. In other cases, though, the problem is that the sounds may be muffled due to the noises on the other end, including background noise. If you are experiencing any type of difficulty communicating over the phone, now is a good time to talk about those concerns with your doctor.
It's the Other Person
One of the most common misconceptions having to do with the ability to hear well over the phone is that it is the other person that is the problem. That may be the problem, but only if it is a problem for everyone in the home. If you are the only one that has this concern, the problem is likely your ability to hear. It can be very hard and even downright worrisome to think that you have such a loss, but many people experience it and many of those get treatment to improve the situation.
What You May Hear
For those who need a hearing test, it is often possible to see symptoms of the problem occurring long before you talk to the doctor. You may be able to hear the phone ringing. Because this is often a loud sound with a high pitch, it may be easier to hear than other sounds. You may be able to hear another person on the other line. You can probably make out some of the words. For those who are just starting to have problems, it is common to just miss a few words here and there. In other cases, though, the problem can worsen and you may experience a more muffled sound, rather than words.
If this is happening to you, it could be due to damage to the inner ear. As people get older, this develops commonly. It can also happen when you are exposed to noise on a regular basis or you have damage coming from exposure to very loud noises. If this sounds like it could be something that is happening to you, now is the time to do something about it by seeing your doctor.
With the help of an audiologist, who is a specialist for a hearing test and screening, you will be able to find out if there is a problem with your ability to hear. Be sure to discuss the concerns you have with being able to hear well over the phone with a medical professional.
