It isn’t like you just 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. You might not realize it’s occurring immediately but some indicators do show up earlier.
These initially developing symptoms progress very discreetly. Identifying them sooner is essential to delay the development of hearing loss or other health issues connected to aging. However, you can’t detect the signs if you have no clue what they are. You may 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 speak with your brother, you can hear him fine, but when your wife speaks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a common indication that the nerves that send messages to the brain are damaged (called sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is not as clear to you because the pitch is higher. You may have the same problem with your grandchild or daughter. Even higher pitched tones such as the phone ringing or alarm clock can get lost. Those are also high pitched tones.
2. You avoid phone calls
When the phone rings you are inclined to make excuses for not answering:
- It’s a brand new phone, and I’m just not used to it yet
- I get tons of spam calls – that’s probably what it is
You dread talking on the phone, but why? It will be a good idea to get someone else to test the phone for you if the volume is at max and you still aren’t able to hear what the other person is saying. If they are able to hear the conversation and you can’t, your ears are probably the problem.
3. Why is everybody 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 speak with you. It’s hard to imagine that everyone in your life suddenly has bad enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing loss. You’re not hearing words the same as you once did. 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 getting lost.
4. What?
It might not be until someone points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you realize you are developing hearing loss. Often, the first people to detect you are developing hearing loss are the people you see every day, like family and coworkers. If someone comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
This sign is somewhat more obvious, but unless it becomes a distraction, people tend to disregard 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 periodic, too. Maybe, when you first wake up in the morning is when you have the most significant ringing or buzzing. Or, it could also be an indication of high blood pressure, circulatory issues, or trauma.
If you’re noticing these symptoms you should make an appointment for an exam because they may be an indication that you’re having a health issue.
6. It’s not as fun going to the neighborhood block party
Once again, there are those mumbling people, and that’s not fun. Also, being in loud places makes understanding what people say that much harder. It becomes impossible for you to hear anything when you’re in the presence of something as basic as the AC kicking in or children splashing and playing in the pool. And trying to keep up with conversations is exhausting.
7. You’re usually not this worn out
Battling to understand words is exhausting. You feel more fatigued than normal because your brain has to work overtime to try and interpret what it’s attempting to hear. You might 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 last eye test was good, 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 up on your TV, it becomes all too easy to blame your service provider or that out-dated TV. When you have hearing loss it’s hard to follow along with dialog on your favorite shows. The background music and sound effects are befuddling dialogue, for example. What about the other stuff in the room such as the AC or the ceiling fan? If you keep turning the volume up, then your hearing might be failing.
Luckily, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to get a hearing test.
Call us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test if you’ve detected any of the above signs.