It isn’t like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most people, hearing loss happens in degrees, particularly when it is linked to aging. You might not realize it’s occurring right away but some signs do show up earlier.
These early developing symptoms progress very subtly. Identifying them sooner is crucial to delay the development of hearing loss or other health issues connected to aging. However, you’re unable to detect the signs if you have no clue what they are. Contemplate these eight barely noticeable signs that you may have hearing loss.
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 typical sign of sensorineural hearing loss or damage to the nerves that send electrical messages to the brain.
Her voice is less clear to you because it’s higher in pitch. You might not be able to hear your daughter or grandchild very well for the same reason. Even technology like the microwave or an alarm can throw a loop into things. Those tones are high, too.
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
- It’s a new phone, and I’m just not used to it yet
You hate talking on the phone, but why? It will be a good idea to get someone else to test the phone for you if the volume is all the way up and you still can’t hear what the other person is saying. If they are able to hear the conversation and you can’t, your ears are probably the problem.
3. Why does everyone mumble these days?
It seems like it’s no longer just the kids who are mumbling when they speak, it’s your neighbor, the news woman, your partner, and even your bartender. It’s hard to imagine that everyone in your life suddenly has bad enunciation so this is a good indication of hearing loss. The way you hear words is changing. Mumbling or dropped off consonants like “S” or “T” is one of the first 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. Very often the people you see every day like coworkers or family are the first to detect you are having a hard time hearing. You should certainly pay attention if someone says something.
5. Why do I hear ringing noises in my ears?
This sign is a bit more obvious, but unless it becomes a disruption, people tend to disregard it. Tinnitus, the medical term for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a prevalent symptom of hearing loss.
Tinnitus can also be periodic because triggers are a significant factor. Perhaps, when you first get up in the morning is when you have the most significant ringing or buzzing. Or, it could also be an indication of high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or trauma.
If you’re noticing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they might 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 as if that many people are mumbling at the same time. It’s so much harder to make out 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 impossible to hear anything. And attempting to focus in on conversations is tedious.
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 has to work harder to try and process what it’s attempting to hear. You may even notice 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 assessed.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
When you have to keep turning the volume on your TV up, it becomes all too easy to blame your service provider or that old TV. It can be hard to follow the dialogue on your favorite shows when you have 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 cope with. If you keep turning the volume up, then your hearing might be failing.
Luckily, if your hearing is declining, hearing aids can help, you just need to get a hearing test.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.