Your hearing won’t be simply gone one day when you wake up. For most individuals, hearing loss comes in degrees, especially when it is linked to aging. Some indicators appear earlier, though, and you don’t realize there is a problem right away.
These initially developing symptoms progress very discreetly. Recognizing them sooner is crucial to slow down the development of hearing loss or other health issues related to aging. But if you don’t know 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 indicators.
1. You hear some people just fine but not others
Maybe when you talk to your brother, you can understand him fine, but when your wife talks, some words just seem to get lost. It’s a common indication of sensorineural hearing loss or damage to the nerves that distribute electrical signals to the brain.
Her voice is higher in pitch, and that’s why it’s unclear. 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 become a problem. Those are also high pitched tones.
2. You don’t like to talk on the phone
When the phone rings you often make excuses for not answering:
- I get a lot of spam calls – that’s most likely what it is
- It’s a new phone, and I’m simply not used to it yet
You dread talking on the phone, but why? If you have the volume all the way up and can’t understand what is being said, let a friend test the phone for you. You most likely have a hearing loss problem if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why is everybody mumbling?
It used to be just the kids, but lately, the woman on the TV news, the bartender, your neighbor, and your partner all seem like they are mumbling when they talk to you. If it seems as if everyone in your life is mumbling, you’re probably dealing with hearing loss, because what is the probability of that? You’re not hearing words the same as you once did. 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 dropping off.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
It might not be until somebody points out that you’re saying “what?” a lot that you realize you are developing hearing loss. Frequently, the first people to detect you are developing hearing loss are the people you see every day, like family and coworkers. If somebody comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
This sign is somewhat more obvious, but unless it becomes a disruption, people tend to ignore it. A common sign of hearing loss is a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Tinnitus can also be periodic because triggers are a significant factor. Perhaps, when you first wake up in the morning is when you have the most pronounced ringing or buzzing. Or a trauma, circulatory problems, or high blood pressure could be the cause.
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 right away to get an exam.
6. Joining your friends at the neighborhood BBQ isn’t as fun
It’s no fun when it sounds as if that many individuals are mumbling at the same time. Also, being in loud places makes understanding what individuals say that much more difficult. It becomes extremely difficult for you to hear anything when you’re around something as simple as the AC kicking in or children splashing and playing in the pool. And, you always feel exhausted from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You feel more worn out than normal
It’s exhausting when you struggle to understand words. Your brain needs to work harder to process what it does hear, so you are more tired than usual. Your other senses may even start to change. How much energy is left over for eyesight, for instance, if your brain is using so much of its energy attempting to hear and understand words? If your most recent eye test was good, then the next thing to get tested is your ears.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
When you have to constantly turn the volume up on your TV, it becomes all too easy to blame your service provider or that old TV. When you have hearing loss it’s hard to hear dialog on your favorite shows. The background music and sound effects are confusing dialogue, for example. What about the other stuff in the room such as the AC or the ceiling fan? Your hearing could be failing if you constantly turn up the volume.
Fortunately, all it takes to know for certain is a professional hearing exam and if it turns out your hearing is failing, hearing aids will help you get some of your hearing back.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, give us a call today to make an appointment.