It isn’t like you just wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most individuals, hearing loss progresses in degrees, particularly when it is linked to aging. You may not realize it’s taking place immediately but some signs do appear earlier.
The early symptoms of progressive hearing loss are discrete. Slowing down the progression of hearing loss and its associated health challenges is a matter of early detection. However, you can’t recognize the signs if you have no clue what they are. Contemplate these eight barely noticeable indicators that you might have hearing loss.
1. Some voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
Maybe when you talk with your brother, you can understand him fine, but when your wife speaks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a typical indication that the nerves that send signals to the brain are damaged (called sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is a higher pitch, and that’s why it’s unclear. You might have the same problem with your grandchild or daughter. Even higher pitched tones such as the phone ringing or alarm clock can get lost. Those tones are high, as well.
2. You avoid phone conversations
When the phone rings you are inclined to make excuses for not picking it up:
- I get a lot of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
- I’m simply not used to this new phone yet
You hate talking on the phone, but why? If you have the volume all the way up and can’t hear what is being said, let a friend test the phone for you. You most likely have a hearing loss problem if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why is everybody mumbling?
It seems as if it’s no longer just the kids who are mumbling when they speak, it’s your neighbor, the news woman, your partner, and even your bartender. If it seems as if everyone in your life is mumbling, you’re most likely dealing with hearing loss, because what is the probability of that? You’re not hearing words the same as you once did. Mumbling or dropped off consonants like “S” or “T” is one of the initial indications that your hearing is changing.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
You might not even recognize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until somebody points out that you’re saying “What?” during conversations a lot. Frequently, the first people to notice you are developing hearing loss are the people you see every day, like family and coworkers. If somebody comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t exactly a subtle sign, but it is something people tend to dismiss unless it’s distracting. Tinnitus, the medical name for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a common symptom of hearing loss.
Tinnitus can also be periodic because triggers are a significant factor. Perhaps, when you first wake up in the morning is when you have the most significant ringing or buzzing. Or a trauma, circulatory problems, or high blood pressure could be the cause.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should make an appointment for an exam because they could be an indication that you’re having a health issue.
6. It isn’t as fun attending the neighborhood get-together
It’s no fun when it sounds as if that many individuals are mumbling all at once. Also, being in noisy places makes understanding what people say that much more difficult. Something as basic 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, you always feel exhausted from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You feel more fatigued than usual
It’s laborious when you struggle to understand words. You feel more tired than usual because your brain has to work overtime to try and process what it’s trying to hear. Your other senses might even start to change. How much energy is left over for eyesight, for instance, if your brain is using so much of its energy trying to hear and understand words? If your eyes have tested fine, now it’s time to have your hearing checked.
8. Why can’t I hear this TV?
When you have to constantly turn the volume up on your TV, it becomes all too easy to place the blame on your service provider or that old TV. When you’re experiencing hearing loss it’s difficult to follow along with dialog on your favorite shows. The background music and sound effects are befuddling dialogue, for example. There are other things like the room AC or ceiling fan to deal with. If you keep cranking up the volume, then your hearing might be failing.
Luckily, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to have your hearing tested.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you’ve noticed any of the above signs.
