Your hearing won’t be just gone one day when you wake up. For most individuals, hearing loss happens in degrees, particularly when it is associated with aging. You may not recognize it’s taking place right away but some signs do appear earlier.
The early symptoms of progressive hearing loss are discrete. Recognizing them sooner is crucial to delay the development of hearing loss or other health issues associated with aging. However, you can’t detect the signs if you don’t know what they are. Contemplate these eight barely detectable indicators that you might have hearing loss.
1. You hear some people perfectly fine but not others
Maybe when you talk to your brother, you can understand him fine, but when your wife speaks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a common indication that the nerves that send signals to the brain are damaged (known as sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is higher in pitch, and that’s why it isn’t as clear. You might have the same issue with your grandchild or daughter. Even technology like the microwave or an alarm can become a problem. Those tones are high, also.
2. You don’t like to talk on the phone
When the phone rings you often make excuses for not picking it up:
- I’m just not used to this new phone yet
- It’s probably just spam
You dread talking on the phone, but why? It will be a good idea to get someone else to check the phone for you if the volume is at max and you still can’t hear what the other person is saying. You most likely have a hearing loss issue if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why does everybody mumble these days?
It used to be just the kids, but lately, the lady on the TV news, the bartender, your neighbor, and your partner all seem like they are mumbling when they speak with you. It’s hard to imagine that everyone in your life suddenly has poor enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing loss. The way you hear words is changing. One of the first signs that something is going on with your hearing is when it sounds like people are mumbling and consonants like “S” and “T” are getting lost.
4. What?
It might not be until somebody points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you recognize you are developing hearing loss. Frequently, the first people to detect you are developing hearing loss are the people you see on a daily basis, like family and coworkers. You should certainly pay attention if someone says something.
5. Why do I hear ringing noises in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t really a subtle sign, but it is something people tend to dismiss unless it’s disruptive. A prevalent sign of hearing loss is a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Tinnitus can also be periodic because triggers are a significant factor. For example, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only happens in the morning or when you are tired. Or a trauma, circulatory issues, or high blood pressure could be the cause.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they could be an indication that you’re having a health problem.
6. It isn’t as fun going to the neighborhood block party
Again, there are those people mumbling, and that’s not fun. Also, being in loud settings makes understanding what individuals say that much harder. Something as simple as kids playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC coming on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And attempting to keep up with conversations is tedious.
7. You feel more worn out than normal
Struggling to understand words is exhausting. Your brain has to work overtime to process what it can hear, so you are more tired than usual. Your other senses might even start to change. If your brain is utilizing 110 percent of its time and energy to understand words, what’s left for your eyesight or balance? If your eyes have tested fine, now it’s time to get your ears assessed.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
It is easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you need to keep turning the volume up. When you have hearing loss it’s difficult to follow along with dialog on your favorite shows. Dialogue is being jumbled by background music and sound effects. What about the other things in the room like the AC or the ceiling fan? Your hearing could be failing if you constantly turn up the volume.
The good thing is, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to get a hearing test.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, contact us today to make an appointment.
