Do you have difficulty hearing the television? Can you no longer keep up in conversations with loved ones or friends?
These could be signs of hearing loss, even if you don’t realize it initially. Often, the symptoms of hearing loss are so subtle that it may take years to notice you have hearing loss.
However, there are common signs that can help you recognize hearing loss sooner. Knowing the signs of hearing loss can ensure you seek timely treatment to protect your hearing and prevent or slow further hearing loss.
Keep reading to learn more about 9 signs you should visit an audiologist about hearing loss.
1. You Have Tinnitus
Tinnitus refers to the sounds you hear, such as ringing, high-pitched, or buzzing noises in your ear, even when the room is silent. It could also present as whistling or clicking sounds. Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears.
These noises can be disturbing and keep you from hearing crucial sounds in your life. Although tinnitus is a common issue that many people experience occasionally, it could be a sign of hearing loss when it’s persistent.
If you have continuous ringing in your ears, the next step should be scheduling an appointment with an audiologist at Southern Indiana ENT for a hearing test. A hearing test can help you determine why you’re constantly hearing a ringing sound while allowing your audiologist to provide a long-term solution.
2. Trouble Holding Conversations in Loud Environments
Noisy places can make it challenging for anyone to engage in conversations. However, it can be especially difficult if you have hearing loss.
You can typically tune out background noises and focus on one, but losing your hearing can make this much harder. If multiple voices speaking and other background noises make it almost impossible to follow a conversation in a crowded restaurant, event, or party, you should see your audiologist.
A hearing test can reveal why your hearing has changed. The test will also enable your audiologist to provide the appropriate treatment so you can improve your ability to hear and understand speech.
3. Phone Calls are Difficult to Understand
During phone calls, sound travels into one ear, unlike in-person conversations. Comprehending what is being said can be difficult, particularly if you’re experiencing more hearing challenges in one ear than the other.
Not understanding what others say during calls may become frustrating, making you avoid talking to others on the phone. Book a hearing test with your audiologist if you struggle to chat on the phone. The sooner you get tested, the better it is for your hearing health.
4. You Always Crank Up the Volume
Do your friends or family members frequently complain that you turn the volume on the radio or TV too high? Do you consistently turn on captioning?
Hearing loss usually occurs gradually over an extended period, meaning you might not notice it early on. But if you’re constantly told that the volume is too loud and uncomfortable for others, and you don’t realize it’s high, it’s time to visit your audiologist for a hearing test.
5. You Steer Clear of Social Gatherings
Untreated hearing loss can be isolating. People with hearing loss might start to feel uncomfortable in large gatherings or social settings.
Social gatherings and parties can become less enjoyable when you’re straining to hear. You may withdraw from social settings when you can’t keep up with conversations for fear of embarrassment or frustration.
If you’ve noticed that you intentionally stay away from social gatherings, get a hearing test. Once your audiologist at Southern Indiana ENT diagnoses your hearing loss, they can prescribe hearing aids if necessary.
These hearing devices will improve your hearing and help you get back out and socialize again.
6. Asking People to Repeat Themselves
Do you ask your family, friends, and colleagues to repeat themselves several times to understand what they’re saying? Having people repeat themselves is often a tell-tale sign of hearing loss and may be challenging for you and the people you’re communicating with.
You should check your hearing if you often say, “huh?” “what?” or realize you frequently ask people to repeat what they’ve said. Your audiologist will evaluate your hearing and provide the proper treatment to improve your hearing and quality of life.
7. People Appear to Be Mumbling
People mumble from time to time. But if they mumble constantly, your hearing could be fading. With hearing loss, you lose the ability to differentiate various sounds in speech.
Instead of hearing complete words, you’ll likely hear incomplete noises. Don’t wait until the problem worsens. Get a hearing test as soon as possible.
8. Missing Crucial Sounds
Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear certain pitches and tones. You might have hearing loss if you often miss daily sounds like the phone, doorbell, timer, or alarm ringing.
A hearing test at Southern Indiana ENT can detect any issues with your hearing, ensuring you remain alert to essential sounds in your everyday life.
9. Conversations are Tiring
With hearing loss, the brain works harder than usual to comprehend speech and other sounds, using more energy. Conversations with friends, family, and others can leave you drained when you have trouble hearing.
You may realize that you’re mentally exhausted earlier than usual, which can impact your ability to concentrate and even affect your productivity. Scheduling a hearing test and treating hearing loss can make it easier for your brain to process sounds, decreasing mental fatigue.
This will leave you with enough energy to perform other essential activities.
Professional, Expert Audiologists
If you’re experiencing signs of hearing loss, it’s crucial to get your hearing tested. The skilled and distinguished audiologists at Southern Indiana ENT will perform a hearing test and provide the best treatment option so you can hear better and live your best life.
Do you suspect you could have hearing loss? Schedule your appointment today at Southern Indiana ENT in Columbus, Seymour, Franklin, and Greenwood, IN, to take the first step toward protecting your hearing.