Your hearing won’t be simply gone one day when you wake up. For most people, hearing loss happens in degrees, particularly when it is related to the aging process. You might not realize it’s taking place right away but some signs do show up earlier.
The early symptoms of progressive hearing loss are subtle. Slowing down the development of hearing loss and its associated health problems is a matter of early detection. However, you’re unable to recognize the signs if you don’t know what they are. Contemplate these eight barely noticeable indicators that you might have hearing loss.
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 speaks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a common sign of sensorineural hearing loss or damage to the nerves that distribute electrical signals to the brain.
Her voice is less clear to you because it’s higher in pitch. You may 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
It’s easy to make excuses for why you don’t pick up the phone when it rings:
- It’s a brand new phone, and I’m just not used to it yet
- I get tons of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
Consider why you dread using your phone. If you have the volume at max and can’t understand what is being said, let someone else test the phone for you. If they can hear the conversation and you can’t, your ears are likely the problem.
3. Why does everyone mumble these days?
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 everyone in your life suddenly has bad enunciation so this is a good indication of hearing decline. How you hear words is changing. Mumbling or lost consonants like “S” or “T” is one of the initial signs that your hearing is changing.
4. What?
It might not be until somebody points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you realize you are developing hearing loss. Often, the first people to notice that you’re developing hearing loss are the people you see on a daily basis, like family and coworkers. If somebody comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t exactly a subtle sign, 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 prevalent symptom of hearing loss.
Tinnitus can also be intermittent because triggers are a significant factor. Maybe, when you first get up in the morning is when you have the most pronounced ringing or buzzing. Or a trauma, circulatory issues, or high blood pressure may be the cause.
If you’re noticing these symptoms you should make an appointment for an exam because they could be an indication that you’re having a health problem.
6. Joining your friends at the neighborhood BBQ 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 noisy places. Something as simple 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 trying to focus in on conversations is exhausting.
7. You’re normally not this worn out
It’s exhausting when you struggle to understand words. You feel more tired than normal because your brain needs to work overtime to try and interpret what it’s attempting to hear. Your other senses may even begin to change. 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 eyes have tested fine, now it’s time to get your ears checked.
8. Why can’t I hear this TV?
It’s easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you have to keep turning the volume up. It can be hard to hear the dialogue on your favorite shows when you have hearing loss. The background music and sound effects are confusing dialogue, for example. What about the other things in the room such as the AC or the ceiling fan? If you keep turning up the volume, then your hearing might be failing.
The good news is, all it takes to know for certain is a professional hearing test and if you find out your hearing is declining, hearing aids will help you get back to normal.
If you notice any of the above signs of hearing loss, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.