Your hearing won’t be simply gone one day when you wake up. For most people, hearing loss progresses in degrees, particularly when it is related to aging. You may not recognize it’s taking place immediately but some signs do appear earlier.
These initially developing symptoms progress very discreetly. Delaying the progression of hearing loss and its associated health challenges is a matter of early detection. But if you are unaware of what the early symptoms are, you won’t be capable of recognizing if you have them. Contemplate these eight barely noticeable indicators that you might have hearing loss.
1. Some voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
Maybe you can understand the cashier just fine, but when your wife chimes in on the conversation, everything gets muddled. It’s a common sign that the nerves that transmit messages to the brain are damaged (called 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 higher pitched tones like the phone ringing or alarm clock can get lost. 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:
- It’s a new phone, and I’m just not used to it yet
- I get a lot of spam calls – that’s probably what it is
Consider why you dread talking on your phone. If you have the volume at max and can’t understand what is being said, let someone else test the phone for you. You probably have a hearing loss problem if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
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 woman, your spouse, and even your bartender. If it seems as if everybody in your life is mumbling, you’re probably dealing with hearing loss, because what is the likelihood of that? The way you hear words is changing. One of the first signs that something is happening with your hearing is when it sounds like people are mumbling and consonants like “S” and “T” are getting lost.
4. What?
You might not even realize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until someone points out that you’re saying “What?” during conversations a lot. Frequently, the first people to notice that you’re developing hearing loss are the people you see every day, like family and coworkers. You should certainly pay attention if someone 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 ignore it. Tinnitus, the medical term for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a prevalent symptom of hearing loss.
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 noticeable ringing or buzzing. Or, it could also be a symptom of high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or trauma.
If you’re noticing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they may be a sign that you’re having a health problem.
6. Joining your friends at the neighborhood BBQ isn’t as enjoyable
Once again, there are those mumbling people, and that’s not fun. Also, being in loud places makes understanding what people say that much harder. Something as simple as children playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC coming on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And, you always feel fatigued from trying to focus in on conversations.
7. You’re usually not this exhausted
It’s laborious when you struggle to understand words. You feel more tired than normal because your brain has to work harder to try and process what it’s attempting to hear. Your other senses may even start to change. If your brain is utilizing 110 percent of its time and energy to understand words, what’s left over for your eyesight or balance? If your most recent eye exam was normal, 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 need to keep cranking up the volume. When you’re experiencing hearing loss it’s difficult to hear dialog on your favorite shows. Dialogue is being jumbled by background music and sound effects. How about the other things in the room like the AC or the ceiling fan? Your hearing may 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 notice any of the above signs of hearing loss, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.