It’s not like you just wake up one day, and your hearing is gone. For most people, hearing loss comes in degrees, especially when it is associated with aging. Some indicators show up earlier, though, and you don’t realize there is an issue immediately.
These initially developing symptoms progress very discreetly. Slowing down the progression of hearing loss and its related health challenges is a matter of early detection. But if you are unaware of what the early symptoms are, you won’t be capable of recognizing if you have them. Consider these eight barely detectable signs that you might have hearing loss.
1. Some voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
Maybe you can hear the cashier just fine, but when your wife joins the conversation, everything gets messed up. It’s a typical 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’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 don’t like to talk on the phone
When the phone rings you tend to make excuses for not picking it up:
- It’s a brand new phone, and I’m simply not used to it yet
- It’s probably just spam
Contemplate why you dread using your phone. 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. If they are able to hear the conversation and you can’t, your ears are likely the issue.
3. Why does everyone mumble these days?
It used to be just the kids, but as of late, the woman 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 bad enunciation so this is a good indication of hearing loss. You’re not hearing words the same as you used to. Mumbling or lost consonants like “S” or “T” is one of the initial indications that your hearing is changing.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
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 people you see on a daily basis like coworkers or family are the first to observe you are struggling to hear. You should certainly pay attention if someone says something.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
This sign is somewhat more obvious, but unless it becomes a disruption, people tend to ignore it. Tinnitus, the medical term for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a prevalent symptom of hearing loss.
Triggers are an important factor in tinnitus so it can be periodic, too. For instance, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only occurs in the morning or when you are tired. Or a trauma, circulatory issues, or high blood pressure may be the cause.
If you’re noticing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they may be an indication that you’re having a health problem.
6. It isn’t as fun attending the neighborhood block party
It’s no fun when it sounds as if that many individuals are mumbling at the same time. It’s so much more difficult to understand what people are saying in loud places. Something as simple 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 exhausted from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You feel more tired than normal
It’s exhausting when you struggle to understand words. You feel more fatigued than usual because your brain has to work harder to try and interpret what it’s trying to hear. Your other senses might even begin to change. If your brain is using 110 percent of its time and energy to understand words, what’s left over for your eyesight or balance? If your most recent eye test was normal, then the next thing to get tested is your ears.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
It’s easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you have to keep turning up the volume. It can be difficult to follow the dialogue on your favorite shows when you’re dealing with hearing loss. Dialogue is being muddled by background music and sound effects. There are other things such as the room AC or ceiling fan to deal with. If you keep turning up the volume, then your hearing might be failing.
Luckily, if your hearing is declining, 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.