Your hearing won’t be just gone one day when you wake up. For most people, hearing loss progresses in degrees, particularly when it is linked to the aging process. You may not recognize it’s happening immediately but some indicators do show up earlier.
The initial symptoms of progressive hearing loss are discrete. Identifying them sooner is essential to slow down the development of hearing loss or other health issues associated with aging. But if you are unaware of what the early symptoms are, you won’t be able to recognize if you have them. You might be developing hearing loss if you notice any of the following eight barely noticeable signs.
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 typical sign that the nerves that transmit signals to the brain are damaged (called sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is a higher pitch, and that’s why it’s unclear. You may not be able to hear 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 are also high pitched tones.
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 a lot of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
- It’s a brand new phone, and I’m simply not used to it yet
You dread talking on the phone, but why? It will be a useful idea to get someone else to check the phone for you if the volume is at max 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 issue.
3. Why does everybody mumble these days?
It seems as if 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. If it seems like everyone in your life is mumbling, you’re probably dealing with hearing loss, because what is the likelihood of that? You’re not hearing words the same as you used to. 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 dropping off.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
It may not be until somebody points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you recognize 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 someone comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. Why do I hear ringing sounds in my ears?
This sign is somewhat more obvious, but unless it becomes a disruption, people tend to ignore it. A prevalent sign of hearing loss is a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Tinnitus can also be periodic because triggers are a significant factor. Maybe, when you first wake up in the morning is when you have the most significant ringing or buzzing. Or, it could also be a symptom of high blood pressure, circulatory issues, or trauma.
If you’re noticing these symptoms you should make an appointment for an exam because they might be an indication that you’re having a health issue.
6. It’s not as fun attending the neighborhood get-together
It’s no fun when it sounds like that many individuals are mumbling at the same time. Also, being in loud settings makes understanding what individuals say that much more difficult. Something as basic as youngsters playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC coming on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And, you always feel exhausted from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You’re usually not this fatigued
Battling to understand words is exhausting. You feel more tired than normal because your brain has to work harder to try and interpret what it’s trying to hear. You may even notice changes in your other senses. If your brain is using 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 ears 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. When you’re experiencing hearing loss it’s difficult to hear dialog on your favorite shows. The background music and sound effects are befuddling dialogue, for example. What about the other stuff in the room like the AC or the ceiling fan? If you keep cranking up the volume, then your hearing might be failing.
The good thing is, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to have your hearing tested.
Call us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test if you’ve noticed any of the above signs.
