It isn’t like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most people, hearing loss happens in degrees, especially when it is related to the aging process. Some indicators show up earlier, though, and you don’t realize there is an issue right away.
These initially developing symptoms advance very subtly. Delaying the progression of hearing loss and its associated health problems is a matter of early detection. However, you’re unable to detect the signs if you don’t know what they are. You might be developing hearing loss if you notice any of the following eight barely noticeable signs.
1. Some voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
Maybe when you talk to your brother, you can hear him fine, but when your wife talks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a common indication that the nerves that send messages to the brain are damaged (called sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is not as clear to you because it’s higher in pitch. You may not be able to hear your daughter or grandchild very well for the same reason. Even higher pitched tones like the phone ringing or alarm clock can get lost. Those are also high pitched tones.
2. You don’t like to talk on the phone
It’s easy to make excuses for why you don’t answer the phone when it rings:
- It’s a brand new phone, and I’m simply not used to it yet
- It’s most likely just spam
Consider why you dread talking on your phone. If you have the volume all the way up and can’t hear what is being said, let someone else test the phone for you. You most likely have a hearing loss issue if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why does everyone mumble these days?
It used to be just the kids, but as of late, the lady on the TV news, the bartender, your neighbor, and your spouse all seem like they are mumbling when they talk to you. It’s difficult to imagine that everybody in your life suddenly has bad enunciation so this is a good indication of hearing loss. You’re not hearing words the same as you once did. One of the first indications that something is happening with your hearing is when it sounds like people are mumbling and consonants like “S” and “T” are getting lost.
4. What?
You may not even realize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until someone points out that you’re saying “What?” during conversations a lot. Very often the people you see on a daily basis like coworkers or family are the first to observe you are having a hard time hearing. If someone comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
This sign is a bit more obvious, but unless it becomes a disruption, people tend to disregard it. Tinnitus, the medical name for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a prevalent symptom of hearing loss.
Tinnitus can also be periodic because triggers are a significant factor. For instance, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only occurs in the morning or when you are tired. Or, it could also be an indication of high blood pressure, circulatory issues, or trauma.
It’s essential that you don’t disregard these tinnitus symptoms because it’s a sign that something may be wrong, so you should make an appointment as soon as possible to get checked out.
6. It’s not as fun going to the neighborhood get-together
It’s no fun when it sounds like that many individuals are mumbling all at once. Also, being in loud settings makes understanding what individuals say that much harder. Something as basic as children playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC kicking on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And, you always feel fatigued from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You feel more tired than usual
Battling to understand words is draining. You feel more tired than normal because your brain has to work overtime to try and process what it’s attempting to hear. You might even notice changes in your other senses. If your brain is utilizing 110 percent of its time and energy to understand words, what’s left over for your eyesight or balance? If your eyes have tested fine, now it’s time to have your hearing assessed.
8. Why can’t I hear this TV?
It’s easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you have to keep turning the volume up. 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 confusing 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 may be failing.
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, give us a call today to make an appointment.