Your hearing won’t be just gone one day when you wake up. For most people, hearing loss comes in degrees, especially when it is related to the aging process. Some signs appear earlier, though, and you don’t recognize there is an issue immediately.
These initially developing symptoms progress very subtly. Slowing down the progression of hearing loss and its associated health problems is a matter of early detection. However, you can’t recognize 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 detectable indicators.
1. Some 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 talks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a typical sign that the nerves that send signals to the brain are damaged (called sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is a higher pitch, and that’s why it’s unclear. You might 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 don’t like to talk on the phone
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 most likely what it is
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. You probably have a hearing loss issue if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why is everyone mumbling?
It seems as if it’s no longer just the kids who are mumbling when they talk, it’s your neighbor, the news woman, your partner, and even your bartender. It’s hard to imagine that everyone in your life suddenly has bad enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing decline. How 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
You might not even realize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until somebody points out that you’re saying “What?” during conversations a lot. Very often the people you see on a daily basis like coworkers or family are the first to notice that you’re having a hard time hearing. You should certainly pay attention if somebody says something.
5. Why do I hear ringing sounds in my ears?
This sign is a bit 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, medically called tinnitus.
Triggers are a significant factor in tinnitus so it can be periodic, too. Perhaps, 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 problems, or trauma.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they may be a sign that you’re having a health issue.
6. It isn’t as enjoyable attending the neighborhood block party
It’s no fun when it sounds as if that many individuals are mumbling at the same time. It’s so much more difficult to make out what people are saying in noisy places. It becomes impossible for you to hear anything when you’re around something as basic as the AC turning on or children splashing and playing in the pool. And trying to focus in on conversations is exhausting.
7. You’re usually not this exhausted
It’s exhausting when you struggle to understand words. Your brain has to work overtime to process what it does hear, so you are more fatigued than usual. Your other senses may even begin to change. How much energy is left for eyesight, for instance, if your brain is using so much of its energy attempting to hear and understand words? If your eyes have tested fine, now it’s time to have your hearing assessed.
8. Why can’t I hear this TV?
When you have to constantly turn the volume on your TV up, it becomes all too easy to blame your service provider or that out-dated TV. It can be difficult to hear the dialogue on your favorite shows when you’re dealing with hearing loss. The background music and sound effects are befuddling dialogue, for example. What about the other things in the room such as the AC or the ceiling fan? Your hearing may be failing if you constantly turn the volume up.
The good thing is, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to have your hearing tested.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you’ve detected any of the above signs.