You might assume hearing loss symptoms are easy to spot.
But actually, they are far harder to detect than you might think, especially when someone’s in the early stages of a long-term hearing problem.
Just like eyesight, most hearing conditions naturally worsen if left untreated. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the more that can be done to protect your hearing’s longevity.
These are some of the signs that your hearing is beginning to decline.
“Please, speak up!”
It sounds obvious, but a clear sign that someone’s experiencing a hearing problem is when they think others are speaking too quietly or with less clarity.
You might find yourself constantly asking friends and family to project their voices, and assume that younger people, especially, are always mumbling.
In reality, if everyone sounds muted or muffled, it’s likely that your hearing is the central issue. This is when you should make an appointment to see one of my colleagues or me at Holland Hearing.
Hearing a ringing sound
Another symptom of early stage hearing loss is when someone hears a ringing in their ears, otherwise known as tinnitus.
In certain cases, this can be related to fatigue or emerge as a side effect of medical prescriptions. But it can also result from a noise-exposure event, where a loud sound causes someone permanent hearing damage.
If you’re experiencing a ringing in your ears, it’s important to speak to us at Holland Hearing, as we can examine the root of the issue.
Becoming less sociable
A further seemingly unlikely hearing loss symptom is when someone begins to withdraw from social occasions.
When you are having trouble hearing what other people are saying, it can feel exhausting trying to maintain individual conversations for long periods.
If you or someone else chooses to leave a room to spend time alone, rather than engage in chats, it’s sometimes a sign of an underlying hearing loss.
“The phone line’s fuzzy”
An additional sign of hearing loss is when someone can’t understand what another person is saying during phone calls.
You might consistently need to boost your volume level to its maximum or ask the other person to hold their receiver closer to their mouth.
If this is something you’re used to doing, it may be time to speak to us at Holland Hearing.
Issues with different voices
Someone who has a hearing loss may also struggle to understand those who speak at different pitches and with alternative accents.
If you’re a man with a lower voice, you may find it difficult to understand children and women who generally speak in higher tones.
Likewise, if you watch the television and can understand some voices but not others, it’s important to speak to Dr. Holland or me about a possible hearing loss.
Are you concerned about a hearing loss or know someone else who is? Contact Holland Hearing today by calling us at (325) 437-4730 , and we’ll help you to address this issue very soon!
