It isn’t like you just wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. Hearing loss, particularly when it’s related to aging, usually progresses in degrees. Some indicators show up earlier, though, and you don’t detect there is an issue right away.
These initially developing symptoms advance very subtly. Slowing down the development of hearing loss and its related health challenges is a matter of early detection. But if you are unaware of what the early symptoms are, you won’t be capable of recognizing if you have them. Contemplate these eight barely detectable indicators that you might have hearing loss.
1. Certain voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
Perhaps you can understand the cashier perfectly, but when your wife chimes in on the conversation, everything gets muddled. It’s a typical indication 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 might not be capable of hearing your daughter or grandchild very well for the same reason. Even higher pitched tones such as the phone ringing or alarm clock can get lost. Those tones are high, also.
2. You avoid phone calls
When the phone rings you often make excuses for not picking it up:
- It’s likely just spam
- I’m simply not used to this new phone yet
Contemplate why you dread talking on your phone. If you have the volume at max and can’t hear what is being said, let someone else test the phone for you. You most likely have a hearing loss issue if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why is everybody mumbling?
It seems like it’s no longer only the kids who are mumbling when they talk, it’s your neighbor, the news lady, your partner, and even your bartender. 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 used to. Mumbling or dropped off consonants like “S” or “T” is one of the first signs that your hearing is going through changes.
4. What?
You may not even recognize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until somebody 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 you are struggling to hear. If someone comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. Why do I hear ringing sounds in my ears?
This sign is a bit 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.
Triggers are an important factor in tinnitus so it can be intermittent, too. For instance, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only happens in the morning or when you are tired. Or, it could also be an indication of high blood pressure, circulatory issues, or trauma.
It’s important that you don’t disregard these tinnitus symptoms because it’s an indication that something could be wrong, so you should make an appointment as soon as possible to get checked out.
6. It isn’t as enjoyable going to the neighborhood block party
It’s no fun when it sounds as if that many individuals are mumbling all at once. It’s so much more difficult to make out what people are saying in loud settings. Something as basic as kids playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC kicking on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And attempting to focus in on conversations is tedious.
7. You’re normally not this worn out
Battling to understand words is draining. You feel more fatigued than normal because your brain needs to work harder to try and process what it’s attempting to hear. You might 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 over for your eyesight or balance? If your most recent eye test was normal, then the next thing to get checked is your ears.
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 out-dated TV. It can be hard to follow the dialogue on your favorite shows when you’re dealing with 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. If you keep turning the volume up, then your hearing might be failing.
The good thing is, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to get a hearing test.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, contact us today to make an appointment.