It’s not like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most people, hearing loss progresses in degrees, especially when it is linked to aging. Some indicators show up earlier, though, and you don’t recognize there is a problem right away.
These initially developing symptoms advance very discreetly. Delaying the progression of hearing loss and its associated health challenges is a matter of early detection. But if you are unaware of what the early symptoms are, you won’t be able to recognize if you have them. Consider these eight barely noticeable 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 talks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a typical sign 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 isn’t as clear. You may have the same problem 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:
- It’s a brand new phone, and I’m simply not used to it yet
- I get tons of spam calls – that’s probably what it is
Contemplate why you dislike talking on your phone. It will be a good idea to get someone else to test the phone for you if the volume is at max and you still aren’t able to 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 does everyone mumble these days?
It seems like 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. It’s difficult to imagine that everybody in your life suddenly has poor enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing loss. How you hear words is changing. One of the first indications 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 someone points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you realize you are developing hearing loss. Often, the first people to notice that you’re developing hearing loss are the people you see on a daily basis, like family and coworkers. If someone comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. Why do I hear ringing sounds in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t exactly a subtle sign, but it is something individuals 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. For example, maybe the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only happens in the morning or when you are tired. Or a trauma, circulatory issues, or high blood pressure may be the cause.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they may be a sign that you’re having a health problem.
6. Meeting your friends at the neighborhood barbecue isn’t as fun
It’s no fun when it sounds like that many individuals are mumbling all at once. Also, being in loud settings makes understanding what people say that much harder. It becomes impossible for you to hear anything when you’re in the presence of something as simple as the AC kicking in or youngsters splashing and playing in the pool. And, you always feel fatigued from trying to focus in on conversations.
7. You feel more worn out than usual
It’s laborious when you struggle to understand words. You feel more fatigued than usual because your brain needs to work harder to try and process what it’s trying to hear. You may even experience differences 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 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 is easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you need to keep turning up the volume. When you have hearing loss it’s hard to hear dialog on your favorite shows. The background music and sound effects are confusing dialogue, for example. There are other things such as the room AC or ceiling fan to cope with. If you keep turning up the volume, then your hearing might be failing.
The good thing is, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to have your hearing tested.
If you notice any of the above signs of hearing loss, contact us today to schedule an appointment.