It’s not like you simply wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. Hearing loss, particularly when it’s caused by aging, generally progresses in degrees. You might not recognize it’s happening immediately but some signs do appear earlier.
These early developing symptoms advance very discreetly. Recognizing them sooner is essential to delay the progression of hearing loss or other health problems connected to aging. However, you can’t detect the signs if you don’t know what they are. Contemplate these eight barely detectable indicators that you may have hearing loss.
1. You hear some people perfectly fine but not others
Maybe you can understand the cashier perfectly, but when your wife joins the conversation, everything gets muddled. It’s a common indication that the nerves that send signals to the brain are damaged (known as sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is not as clear to you because it’s higher in pitch. You may not be able to hear your daughter or grandchild very well for the same reason. Even higher pitched tones such as the phone ringing or alarm clock can get lost. Those tones are high, also.
2. You avoid phone conversations
It’s easy to make excuses for why you don’t answer the phone when it rings:
- I get tons of spam calls – that’s probably what it is
- I’m just not used to this new phone yet
Consider why you dread using your phone. If you have the volume at max and can’t understand 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 likely the issue.
3. Why is everyone mumbling?
It seems like it’s no longer just the kids who are mumbling when they speak, it’s your neighbor, the news lady, your spouse, and even your bartender. It’s difficult to imagine that everybody in your life suddenly has bad enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing decline. The way 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 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. Very often the people you see on a daily basis like coworkers or family are the first to detect that you’re struggling to hear. You should definitely pay attention if somebody says something.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t really a subtle sign, but it is something people tend to ignore unless it’s distracting. Tinnitus, the medical term for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a common symptom of hearing loss.
Tinnitus can also be intermittent because triggers are a significant factor. For example, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only manifests in the morning or when you are tired. Or a trauma, circulatory issues, or high blood pressure may be the cause.
If you’re noticing these symptoms you should make an appointment for an exam because they may be an indication that you’re having a health issue.
6. It isn’t as fun attending the neighborhood block party
It’s no fun when it sounds as if that many people are mumbling all at once. Also, being in noisy settings makes understanding what individuals say that much more difficult. It becomes impossible for you to hear anything when you’re in the presence of something as basic as the AC kicking in or youngsters splashing and playing in the pool. And, you always feel exhausted from trying to keep up with conversations.
7. You’re usually not this worn out
Struggling to understand words is draining. You feel more tired than normal because your brain needs to work harder to try and process what it’s attempting to hear. Your other senses might even begin to change. If your brain is utilizing 110 percent of its time and energy to understand words, what’s left for your eyesight or balance? If your eyes have tested fine, now it’s time to have your hearing assessed.
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 up the volume. It can be hard to hear the dialogue on your favorite shows when you have hearing loss. Dialogue is being muddled by background music and sound effects. There are other things like the room AC or ceiling fan to deal with. Your hearing could be failing if you constantly turn the volume up.
Luckily, if your hearing is declining, 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.