It’s not like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most individuals, hearing loss comes in degrees, particularly when it is linked to the aging process. Some indicators show up earlier, though, and you don’t realize there is an issue right away.
The initial symptoms of progressive hearing loss are discrete. Recognizing them sooner is essential to slow down the progression of hearing loss or other health issues related to aging. But if you are unaware of what the early symptoms are, you won’t be capable of recognizing if you have them. Consider these eight barely detectable indicators that you may have hearing loss.
1. You hear some people perfectly fine but not others
Maybe you can understand the cashier perfectly, but when your wife joins the conversation, everything gets muddled. It’s a typical 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 it’s higher in pitch. You may not be capable of hearing your daughter or grandchild very well for the same reason. Even technology like the microwave or an alarm can become a problem. 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 answer the phone when it rings:
- I get tons of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
- It’s a brand new phone, and I’m just not used to it yet
Consider why you dislike using 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. If they are able to hear the conversation and you can’t, your ears are likely the issue.
3. Why is everyone 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. If it seems like everyone 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 lost consonants like “S” or “T” is one of the initial signs that your hearing is changing.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
It might not be until someone points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you recognize you are developing hearing loss. Frequently the people you see on a daily basis like coworkers or family are the first to notice that you’re having a hard time hearing. If somebody comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. What’s that ringing 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 wake up in the morning is when you have the most significant ringing or buzzing. Or a trauma, circulatory issues, or high blood pressure might be the cause.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they may be an indication that you’re having a health problem.
6. Meeting your friends at the neighborhood BBQ isn’t as fun
It’s no fun when it sounds like that many individuals are mumbling all at once. Also, being in loud places makes understanding what people say that much harder. Something as basic as children playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC kicking on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And, you always feel exhausted from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You feel more worn out than usual
Battling to understand words is exhausting. You feel more fatigued than normal because your brain has to work harder to try and interpret what it’s trying to hear. Your other senses might even start 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 hearing assessed.
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 out-dated TV. It can be difficult to hear the dialogue on your favorite shows when you have hearing loss. Dialogue is being jumbled by background music and sound effects. There are other things such as the room AC or ceiling fan to deal with. If you keep turning up the volume, then your hearing may be failing.
The good thing is, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to get a hearing test.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test if you’ve noticed any of the above signs.