It’s not like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most people, hearing loss happens in degrees, especially when it is associated with aging. You may not realize it’s happening right away but some signs do show up earlier.
The early symptoms of progressive hearing loss are subtle. Slowing down the progression of hearing loss and its related health problems 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. You may be developing hearing loss if you notice any of the following eight barely noticeable indicators.
1. You hear some people perfectly fine but not others
Maybe when you talk with your brother, you can understand him fine, but when your wife talks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a common sign of sensorineural hearing loss or damage to the nerves that deliver electrical messages to the brain.
Her voice is less clear to you because the pitch is higher. You might have the same issue with your grandchild or daughter. Even higher pitched tones like the phone ringing or alarm clock can get lost. Those tones are high, also.
2. You avoid phone conversations
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
- I get tons of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
You hate talking on the phone, but why? It will be a useful idea to get someone else to check the phone for you if the volume is at max and you still can’t hear what the other person is saying. You most likely have a hearing loss problem if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why does everybody 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 spouse all seem like they’re mumbling when they speak with you. If it seems as if everybody in your life is mumbling, you’re most likely dealing with hearing loss, because what is the likelihood of that? You’re not hearing words the same as you once did. 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 dropping off.
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. Frequently the people you see on a daily basis like coworkers or family are the first to observe that you’re having a hard time hearing. You should certainly pay attention if somebody says something.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t really a subtle indication, but it is something individuals tend to ignore unless it’s disruptive. Tinnitus, the medical term for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a common symptom of hearing loss.
Tinnitus can also be intermittent because triggers are a significant factor. For example, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only happens in the morning or when you are tired. Or, it could also be a symptom of high blood pressure, circulatory issues, or trauma.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they might be an indication that you’re having a health issue.
6. Joining your friends at the neighborhood barbecue isn’t as enjoyable
It’s no fun when it sounds as if that many individuals are mumbling at the same time. Also, being in loud places makes understanding what individuals say that much more difficult. Something as simple as youngsters playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC kicking on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And trying to keep up with conversations is exhausting.
7. You’re normally not this exhausted
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 process what it’s attempting to hear. Your other senses may even start to change. How much energy is left over for eyesight, for example, if your brain is spending 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 assessed.
8. Why can’t I hear this TV?
When you have to constantly turn the volume on your TV up, it becomes all too easy to blame your service provider or that old TV. When you have hearing loss it’s difficult to follow along with dialog on your favorite shows. Dialogue is being jumbled by background music and sound effects. There are other things such as the room AC or ceiling fan to cope with. Your hearing may be failing if you constantly turn up the volume.
The good news is, all it takes to know for certain is a professional hearing test and if you find out your hearing is failing, hearing aids will help you get back to normal.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, contact us today to make an appointment.