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 might not detect it’s happening immediately but some signs do appear earlier.
The initial symptoms of progressive hearing loss are subtle. Recognizing them sooner is crucial to slow down the development of hearing loss or other health problems connected to aging. However, you’re unable to recognize the signs if you have no clue what they are. Contemplate these eight barely detectable signs that you may have hearing loss.
1. Some voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
Maybe you can hear the cashier just fine, but when your wife chimes in on the conversation, everything gets muddled. It’s a typical indication of sensorineural hearing loss or damage to the nerves that deliver electrical messages to the brain.
Her voice is less clear to you because the pitch is higher. You may 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 don’t like to talk on the phone
When the phone rings you often make excuses for not answering:
- It’s most likely just spam
- I’m just not used to this brand new phone yet
You dread talking on the phone, but why? If you have the volume all the way up and can’t hear what is being said, let someone else test the phone for you. If they can hear the conversation and you can’t, your ears are likely the issue.
3. Why does everyone mumble these days?
It used to be just the kids, but as of late, the woman on the TV news, the bartender, your neighbor, and your spouse all seem like they are mumbling when they talk to you. It’s hard to imagine that everyone in your life suddenly has poor enunciation so this is a good indication of hearing loss. 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. You’re saying “what?” a lot
You may not even recognize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until somebody points out that you’re saying “What?” during conversations a lot. Very often the people you see every day like coworkers or family are the first to detect you are having a hard time hearing. If someone comments on it, you should pay attention.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
Okay, this isn’t really a subtle sign, but it is something individuals 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 example, perhaps the ringing, buzzing, or roaring only occurs in the morning or when you are tired. Or a trauma, circulatory issues, or high blood pressure could be the cause.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should make an appointment for an exam because they could be an indication that you’re having a health problem.
6. Joining your friends at the neighborhood BBQ isn’t as enjoyable
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 basic as children playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC coming on you makes it impossible to hear anything. And, you always feel exhausted from trying to focus in on conversations.
7. You feel more fatigued than normal
It’s exhausting when you struggle to understand words. Your brain needs to work harder to process what it can hear, so you are more fatigued than normal. You may even notice differences in your other senses. 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 last eye exam was good, then the next thing to get tested is your ears.
8. Why can’t I hear this TV?
When you have to keep turning the volume up on your TV, it becomes all too easy to blame your service provider or that old TV. It can be difficult to follow the dialogue on your favorite shows when you have hearing loss. Dialogue is being jumbled by background music and sound effects. What about the other things in the room such as the AC or the ceiling fan? Your hearing could be failing if you constantly turn the volume up.
Fortunately, all it takes to know for certain is a professional hearing test and if you find out your hearing is failing, hearing aids will help you get some of your hearing back.
If you notice any of the above signs of hearing loss, give us a call today to make an appointment.