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 the aging process. Some indicators appear earlier, though, and you don’t realize there is a problem immediately.
These initially developing symptoms advance very subtly. Identifying them sooner is crucial to delay 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. 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 talks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a typical indication that the nerves that send messages to the brain are damaged (known as sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is higher in pitch, and that’s why it isn’t as clear. 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 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 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 hear 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 issue.
3. Why does everybody mumble these days?
It seems like it’s no longer only the kids who are mumbling when they speak, it’s your neighbor, the news lady, your spouse, and even your bartender. 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. One of the first indications 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. You’re saying “what?” a lot
It might 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 detect 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. What’s that ringing in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t really a subtle sign, but it is something individuals tend to dismiss unless it’s disruptive. A prevalent sign of hearing loss is a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Tinnitus can also be intermittent because triggers are a significant factor. Maybe, when you first get up in the morning is when you have the most noticeable ringing or buzzing. Or, it could also be an indication of high blood pressure, circulatory issues, or trauma.
It’s important that you don’t ignore these tinnitus symptoms because it’s an indication that something may be wrong, so you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to get an exam.
6. Meeting your friends at the neighborhood barbecue isn’t as fun
Again, there are those people mumbling, and that’s not fun. Also, being in noisy places makes understanding what individuals say that much more difficult. Something as simple as kids playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC kicking on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And trying to keep up with conversations is tedious.
7. You’re normally not this worn out
Battling to understand words is draining. You feel more tired than normal because your brain has to work harder to try and interpret what it’s trying to hear. You might even experience differences in your other senses. How much energy is left for eyesight, for example, if your brain is spending so much of its energy attempting to hear and understand words? If your most recent eye exam was good, then the next thing to get checked is your ears.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
It is easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you have to keep cranking the volume up. It can be hard to follow the dialogue on your favorite shows when you’re dealing with hearing loss. Dialogue is being muddled by background music and sound effects. How about the other stuff in the room such as 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 have your hearing tested.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
