It’s not like you just wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most people, hearing loss comes in degrees, especially when it is associated with aging. You might not detect it’s occurring immediately but some indicators do show up earlier.
These initially developing symptoms progress very discreetly. Delaying the development of hearing loss and its related health problems is a matter of early detection. 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 indicators.
1. Some voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
Perhaps you can understand the cashier perfectly, but when your wife joins the conversation, everything gets messed up. It’s a common sign of sensorineural hearing loss or damage to the nerves that distribute electrical messages to the brain.
Her voice is not as clear to you because the pitch is higher. You might have the same issue with your grandchild or daughter. Even technology like the microwave or an alarm can throw a loop into things. Those tones are high, as well.
2. You avoid phone calls
When the phone rings you often make excuses for not picking it up:
- It’s most likely just spam
- I’m simply not used to this brand new phone yet
You hate talking on the phone, but why? If you have the volume all the way up 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 probably the issue.
3. Why is everybody mumbling?
It seems like it’s no longer only the kids who are mumbling when they talk, it’s your neighbor, the news lady, your spouse, and even your bartender. It’s hard to imagine that everyone in your life suddenly has poor enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing decline. 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 dropping off.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
It may not be until somebody points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you realize you are developing hearing loss. Often, the first people to notice 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. Why do I hear ringing sounds in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t exactly a subtle indication, but it is something individuals tend to dismiss unless it’s distracting. A common sign of hearing loss is a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Triggers are a substantial factor in tinnitus so it can be intermittent, too. For example, maybe the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only happens in the morning or when you are tired. Or, it could also be an indication of high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or trauma.
If you’re noticing these symptoms you should make an appointment for an exam because they could be an indication that you’re having a health problem.
6. Meeting your friends at the neighborhood BBQ isn’t as enjoyable
Again, there are those mumbling people, and that’s not fun. It’s so much harder to understand what people are saying in loud places. It becomes impossible for you to hear anything when you’re around something as basic as the AC kicking in or kids splashing and playing in the pool. And attempting to focus in on conversations is exhausting.
7. You’re normally not this exhausted
It’s laborious when you struggle to understand words. Your brain has to work harder to process what it can hear, so you are more tired than normal. Your other senses may even start to change. If your brain is using 110 percent of its time and energy to understand words, what’s left over for your eyesight or balance? If your last eye exam was good, then the next thing to get checked is your ears.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
When you have to constantly turn the volume on your TV up, it becomes all too easy to place the blame on your service provider or that out-dated TV. It can be difficult to follow the dialogue on your favorite shows when you’re dealing with hearing loss. Dialogue is being jumbled by background music and sound effects. What about the other stuff in the room like the AC or the ceiling fan? Your hearing may be failing if you constantly turn the volume up.
The good news is, all it takes to know for certain is a professional hearing test and if you find out your hearing is declining, hearing aids will help you get some of your hearing back.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you’ve experienced any of the above signs.