It isn’t like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most individuals, hearing loss comes in degrees, especially when it is linked to the aging process. You might not recognize it’s happening right away but some signs do show up earlier.
The initial symptoms of progressive hearing loss are discrete. Identifying them sooner is essential to slow down the development of hearing loss or other health problems connected to aging. However, you can’t detect the signs if you don’t know what they are. You might be developing hearing loss if you identify any of the following eight barely detectable indicators.
1. You hear some people just fine but not others
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 typical sign that the nerves that transmit signals to the brain are damaged (known as sensorineural hearing loss).
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 throw a loop into things. Those are also high pitched tones.
2. You avoid phone calls
When the phone rings you often make excuses for not answering:
- It’s most likely just spam
- I’m simply not used to this new phone yet
Consider why you dislike 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 probably the issue.
3. Why does everyone mumble these days?
It seems like it’s no longer only the kids who are mumbling when they speak, it’s your neighbor, the news lady, your partner, and even your bartender. It’s difficult to imagine that everyone in your life suddenly has bad enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing loss. You’re not hearing words the same as you used to. Mumbling or dropped off consonants like “S” or “T” is one of the first signs that your hearing is changing.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
You may not even realize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until somebody points out that you’re saying “What?” during conversations a lot. Often, the first people to detect 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. What’s that ringing in my ears?
This sign is somewhat more obvious, but unless it becomes a distraction, people tend to ignore it. A prevalent sign of hearing loss is a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Tinnitus can also be periodic because triggers are a significant factor. Maybe, when you first wake up in the morning is when you have the most pronounced ringing or buzzing. Or a trauma, circulatory issues, or high blood pressure might be the cause.
It’s crucial that you don’t disregard these tinnitus symptoms because it’s an indication that something may be wrong, so you should make an appointment right away to get checked out.
6. It isn’t as enjoyable attending the neighborhood block party
Again, there are those mumbling people, and that’s not fun. Also, being in loud places makes understanding what individuals say that much more difficult. Something as simple as children playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC kicking on you makes it impossible to hear anything. And trying to keep up with conversations is exhausting.
7. You feel more fatigued than normal
It’s exhausting when you struggle to understand words. Your brain needs to work harder to process what it can hear, so you are more fatigued than normal. You might even experience changes in your other senses. 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 hearing checked.
8. Why can’t I hear this TV?
It is easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you need to keep turning up the volume. It can be difficult to hear the dialogue on your favorite shows when you have hearing loss. Dialogue is being muddled by background music and sound effects. What about the other stuff in the room such as the AC or the ceiling fan? Your hearing could be failing if you constantly turn up the volume.
The good news is, all it takes to know for certain is a professional hearing exam and if it turns out your hearing is declining, hearing aids will help you get back to normal.
Contact us today to make an appointment for a hearing test if you’ve experienced any of the above signs.