Your hearing won’t be simply gone one day when you wake up. For most people, hearing loss comes in degrees, especially when it is linked to the aging process. You may not realize it’s happening right away but some indicators do show up earlier.
The initial symptoms of progressive hearing loss are discrete. Slowing down the development of hearing loss and its related health problems is a matter of early detection. However, you’re unable to detect the signs if you don’t know what they are. Contemplate these eight barely detectable indicators that you may have hearing loss.
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 talks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a common sign 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 might have the same issue 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 avoid phone conversations
When the phone rings you tend to make excuses for not picking it up:
- I’m just not used to this brand new phone yet
- I get tons of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
Contemplate why you dislike talking on your phone. It will be a good idea to get someone else to check 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 can hear the conversation and you can’t, your ears are likely the issue.
3. Why does everyone mumble these days?
It seems as if it’s no longer just the kids who are mumbling when they talk, it’s your neighbor, the news lady, your partner, and even your bartender. If it seems as if everybody in your life is mumbling, you’re most likely dealing with hearing loss, because what is the probability of that? You’re not hearing words the same as you used to. 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 may not be until someone points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you recognize you are developing hearing loss. Frequently, the first people to detect you are developing hearing loss are the people you see on a daily basis, like family and coworkers. You should certainly pay attention if someone says something.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t exactly a subtle sign, but it is something people 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. For instance, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only happens in the morning or when you are tired. Or, it could also be a sign of high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or trauma.
It’s essential that you don’t disregard these tinnitus symptoms because it’s an indication that something could be wrong, so you should make an appointment right away to get an exam.
6. Joining your friends at the neighborhood BBQ isn’t as fun
Again, there are those people mumbling, and that’s not fun. Also, being in loud settings makes understanding what individuals say that much harder. Something as simple as kids playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC coming on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And attempting to keep up with conversations is exhausting.
7. You feel more tired than normal
Struggling to understand words is draining. Your brain has to work overtime to process what it does hear, so you are more tired than normal. You may even notice changes in your other senses. How much energy is left for eyesight, for instance, if your brain is using so much of its energy trying to hear and understand words? If your eyes have tested fine, now it’s time to get your hearing checked.
8. Why can’t I hear this TV?
It is easy to blame your old TV or the service provider when you need to keep cranking the volume up. When you have hearing loss it’s difficult to hear dialog on your favorite shows. Dialogue is being jumbled by background music and sound effects. 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.
Fortunately, all it takes to know for sure is a professional hearing assessment and if it turns out your hearing is declining, hearing aids will help you get back to normal.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test if you’ve noticed any of the above signs.