Start Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss
Many of us don't notice the early signs of hearing loss because we slowly adjust to the change. By the time we realize what's happening, we may have already lost the full appreciation of sounds and music we once enjoyed. The signs of hearing loss can be subtle and emerge slowly, or they can be significant and come on suddenly.
The first step in treating hearing loss is to recognize its most common signs. If you experience some of the following symptoms, take our online hearing evaluation or contact Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aid Center to schedule a hearing consultation.
You might have hearing loss if you...
Social Signs
- Require frequent repetition
- Have difficulty following conversations involving more than two people
- Think that other people sound muffled or like they're mumbling
- Have difficulty hearing in noisy situations like conferences, restaurants, malls, or crowded meeting rooms
- Have your TV or radio turned up to a high volume
- Answer or respond inappropriately in conversations
- Have ringing in your ears
- Read lips or more intently watch people's faces when they speak with you
Emotional Signs
- Feel stressed out from straining to hear what others are saying
- Feel annoyed at other people because your can't hear or understand them
- Feel embarrassed to meet new people or from misunderstanding what others are saying
- Feel nervous about trying to hear and understand
- Withdraw from social situations that you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing
Medical Signs
- Have a family history of hearing loss
- Take medications that can harm the hearing system (ototoxic drugs)
- Have diabetes or heart, circulation, or thyroid problems
- Have been exposed to very loud sounds over a long period or single exposure to explosive noise