It isn’t like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most people, hearing loss progresses in degrees, especially when it is associated with aging. Some indicators show up earlier, though, and you don’t recognize there is a problem right away.
These initially developing symptoms advance very subtly. Recognizing them sooner is crucial to slow down the development of hearing loss or other health problems associated with aging. But if you don’t know 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 detectable indicators.
1. Certain voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
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 indication that the nerves that send messages to the brain are damaged (known as sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is not as clear to you because the pitch is higher. You may have the same problem 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
It’s easy to make excuses for why you don’t answer the phone when it rings:
- It’s most likely just spam
- It’s a new phone, and I’m simply not used to it yet
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. You most likely have a hearing loss problem if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why is everybody mumbling?
It used to be just the kids, but as of late, the lady on the TV news, the bartender, your neighbor, and your spouse all seem like they’re mumbling when they talk to you. It’s hard to imagine that everybody in your life suddenly has bad enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing decline. The way you hear words is changing. One of the first signs 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. You’re saying “what?” a lot
You may not even recognize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until someone points out that you’re saying “What?” during conversations a lot. Frequently the people you see on a daily basis like coworkers or family are the first to notice that you’re struggling to hear. If somebody comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. Why do I hear ringing noises in my ears?
This sign is a bit more obvious, but unless it becomes a distraction, people tend to ignore it. Tinnitus, the medical name 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 instance, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only occurs in the morning or when you are tired. Or a trauma, circulatory problems, or high blood pressure could be the cause.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should make an appointment for an exam because they could be an indication that you’re having a health problem.
6. Meeting your friends at the neighborhood BBQ isn’t as enjoyable
Once again, there are those mumbling people, and that’s not fun. It’s so much more difficult to understand what people are saying in loud places. It becomes impossible for you to hear anything when you’re around something as simple as the AC kicking in or youngsters splashing and playing around the pool. And trying to keep up with conversations is tedious.
7. You’re normally not this fatigued
It’s laborious when you struggle to understand words. Your brain has to work harder to process what it can hear, so you are more fatigued than usual. You may even experience changes in your other senses. How much energy is left over for eyesight, for instance, if your brain is spending so much of its energy attempting to hear and understand words? If your last eye test was normal, then the next thing to get checked is your ears.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
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. It can be difficult to follow the dialogue on your favorite shows when you have hearing loss. The background music and sound effects are confusing dialogue, for example. There are other things like the room AC or ceiling fan to deal with. Your hearing could be failing if you constantly turn up the volume.
The good thing is, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to have your hearing tested.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, contact us today to make an appointment.
