It’s not like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most individuals, hearing loss progresses in degrees, particularly when it is related to aging. Some signs show up earlier, though, and you don’t recognize there is an issue immediately.
These initially developing symptoms advance very subtly. Delaying the progression 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. You might be developing hearing loss if you identify any of the following eight barely detectable indicators.
1. Some 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 speaks, 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 higher in pitch, and that’s why it’s unclear. You might 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 don’t like to talk on the phone
When the phone rings you are inclined to make excuses for not answering:
- I get a lot of spam calls – that’s probably what it is
- It’s a new phone, and I’m simply not used to it yet
You hate talking on the phone, but why? It will be a useful idea to get someone else to test the phone for you if the volume is all the way up and you still can’t hear what the other person is saying. If they can hear the conversation and you can’t, your ears are probably the issue.
3. Why is everyone mumbling?
It seems like it’s no longer just the kids who are mumbling when they speak, it’s your neighbor, the news lady, your partner, and even your bartender. It’s hard to imagine that everybody in your life suddenly has poor enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing decline. 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 going through changes.
4. What?
You might not even realize 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 every day like coworkers or family are the first to notice that you’re having a hard time hearing. You should definitely pay attention if someone says something.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
This sign is somewhat more obvious, but unless it becomes a distraction, people tend to ignore it. Tinnitus, the medical term for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a common symptom of hearing loss.
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 pronounced ringing or buzzing. Or a trauma, circulatory problems, or high blood pressure could be the cause.
It’s essential that you don’t disregard these tinnitus symptoms because it’s an indication that something might be wrong, so you should make an appointment as soon as possible to get an exam.
6. Joining your friends at the neighborhood BBQ isn’t as fun
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 settings. Something as basic as youngsters playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC coming on you makes it impossible to hear anything. And, you always feel fatigued from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You’re normally not this worn out
It’s exhausting when you struggle to understand words. Your brain needs to work harder to process what it does hear, so you are more fatigued than usual. Your other senses may 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 last eye test was normal, then the next thing to get tested is your ears.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
It’s easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you have to keep turning up the volume. It can be hard to follow the dialogue on your favorite shows when you have hearing loss. The background music and sound effects are befuddling dialogue, for example. There are other things such as the room AC or ceiling fan to deal with. Your hearing could be failing if you constantly turn up the volume.
The good news is, all it takes to know for sure is a professional hearing exam and if you find out your hearing is declining, hearing aids will help you get back to normal.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test if you’ve detected any of the above signs.
