It’s not like you simply wake up one day, and your hearing is gone. For most people, hearing loss happens in degrees, particularly when it is related to aging. You might not detect it’s happening immediately but some indicators do appear earlier.
These initially developing symptoms advance very subtly. Recognizing them sooner is essential to slow down the progression of hearing loss or other health problems connected to aging. However, you can’t detect the signs if you have no clue what they are. You might be developing hearing loss if you identify any of the following eight barely noticeable signs.
1. You hear some people just fine but not others
Maybe when you talk with your brother, you can hear him fine, but when your wife speaks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a typical indication of sensorineural hearing loss or damage to the nerves that deliver electrical messages to the brain.
Her voice is a higher pitch, and that’s why it isn’t as clear. You may have the same problem with your grandchild or daughter. Even technology like the microwave or an alarm can become a problem. 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 picking it up:
- I get tons of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
- I’m simply not used to this brand new phone yet
You hate talking on the phone, but why? If you have the volume at max and can’t understand what is being said, let a friend test the phone for you. If they are able to 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 woman on the TV news, the bartender, your neighbor, and your partner all seem like they are mumbling when they talk to you. It’s hard to imagine that everybody in your life suddenly has poor enunciation so this is a good indication of hearing decline. The way you hear words is changing. One of the first indications that something is happening 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 someone points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you realize you are developing hearing loss. Frequently the people you see on a daily basis like coworkers or family are the first to observe that you’re struggling to hear. If someone comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t exactly a subtle indication, but it is something people tend to dismiss unless it’s distracting. Tinnitus, the medical name for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a common symptom of hearing loss.
Triggers are a substantial factor in tinnitus so it can be periodic, too. Maybe, when you first get up in the morning is when you have the most pronounced ringing or buzzing. Or, it could also be a sign of high blood pressure, circulatory issues, or trauma.
It’s important that you don’t disregard these tinnitus symptoms because it’s a sign that something might be wrong, so you should make an appointment right away to get an exam.
6. Meeting your friends at the neighborhood barbecue isn’t as enjoyable
It’s no fun when it sounds as if that many people are mumbling all at once. Also, being in loud places makes understanding what people say that much more difficult. Something as basic as children playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC kicking on you makes it impossible to hear anything. And trying to keep up with conversations is tedious.
7. You’re normally not this exhausted
It’s laborious when you struggle to understand words. You feel more fatigued than usual because your brain has to work overtime to try and interpret what it’s attempting to hear. You may even notice changes in your other senses. If your brain is utilizing 110 percent of its time and energy to understand words, what’s left for your eyesight or balance? If your last eye exam was good, then the next thing to get checked is your ears.
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. When you have 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 things in the room like the AC or the ceiling fan? Your hearing might be failing if you constantly turn up the volume.
Luckily, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to get a hearing test.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, contact us today to make an appointment.