Your hearing won’t be just gone one day when you wake up. Hearing loss, particularly when it’s associated with aging, usually progresses in degrees. Some indicators appear earlier, though, and you don’t realize there is a problem immediately.
These initially developing symptoms advance very subtly. Recognizing them sooner is essential to delay the development of hearing loss or other health problems associated with aging. But if you are unaware of what the early symptoms are, you won’t be capable of recognizing if you have them. You may be developing hearing loss if you notice any of the following eight barely detectable signs.
1. You hear some people just fine but not others
Maybe when you speak with your brother, you can hear him fine, but when your wife speaks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a common sign of sensorineural hearing loss or damage to the nerves that send electrical signals to the brain.
Her voice is a higher 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 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 pick up the phone when it rings:
- I get a lot of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
- I’m just not used to this brand new phone yet
Consider why you dislike talking on your phone. It will be a useful idea to get someone else to test the phone for you if the volume is at max and you still can’t hear what the other person is saying. You probably have a hearing loss issue if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why is everybody mumbling?
It seems as if it’s no longer only the kids who are mumbling when they talk, it’s your neighbor, the news lady, your spouse, and even your bartender. If it seems as if everybody in your life is mumbling, you’re probably dealing with hearing loss, because what is the likelihood of that? You’re not hearing words the same as you used to. Mumbling or lost consonants like “S” or “T” is one of the first signs that your hearing is going through changes.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
It might not be until somebody points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you realize you are developing hearing loss. Frequently, the first people to detect you are developing hearing loss are the people you see every day, like family and coworkers. If someone comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. Why do I hear ringing sounds in my ears?
This sign is somewhat more obvious, but unless it becomes a disruption, people tend to disregard it. A common 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 instance, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only occurs in the morning or when you are tired. Or a trauma, circulatory problems, or high blood pressure could be the cause.
It’s crucial that you don’t ignore these tinnitus symptoms because it’s a sign that something might be wrong, so you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to get checked out.
6. It’s not as fun going to the neighborhood block party
It’s no fun when it sounds like that many people are mumbling at the same time. It’s so much more difficult to make out what people are saying in noisy places. Something as basic as children playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC coming on you makes it impossible to hear anything. And, you always feel fatigued from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You’re normally not this fatigued
Struggling to understand words is exhausting. Your brain needs to work overtime to process what it can hear, so you are more fatigued than normal. Your other senses may 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 can’t I hear this TV?
When you have to keep turning the volume on your TV up, 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 hear 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 could be failing.
The good news is, all it takes to know for sure is a professional hearing exam and if it turns out your hearing is declining, hearing aids will help you get some of your hearing back.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you’ve noticed any of the above signs.