Hearing loss might creep up on you gradually, declining in such small levels until you find yourself straining to follow conversations and missing out on sounds you usually hear easily.

In this blog post, we’ll let you in on the most common signs of hearing loss and what you can do before it progresses.

Various Indicators of Hearing Loss

Depending on the type and extent of your hearing loss, there are different indicators. Sound is perceived differently by someone with significant hearing loss in just one ear than it is by someone with hearing loss in both ears. 

Hearing loss manifests itself differently for each person. Only an audiologist or hearing health professional can give a proper diagnosis.

If you suspect that you or your loved one are experiencing hearing problems, it’s best to get your hearing tested as soon as possible.

Below, you can find the top five signs of hearing loss.  

1. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Ninety percent of Americans who experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, also have hearing loss.

Hearing loss brought on by aging and noise exposure can both result in tinnitus, sometimes known as ringing in the ears.

According to scientists, under these two situations, tinnitus may be the brain’s way of making up for missing frequencies.

Tinnitus is a warning sign for your auditory system, so if you are experiencing ringing in your ears, you should see an audiologist for an evaluation.

In elderly persons, tinnitus can occasionally be the earliest indicator of hearing loss.

Any sort of hearing loss may be accompanied by tinnitus, which can also signal other health issues like high blood pressure, allergies, or side effects of certain medications.

2. Difficulty hearing in crowded places

Another sign of high-frequency hearing loss is the difficulty to distinguish speech in noisy settings.

As a result, you might avoid social situations where you have to focus on understanding multiple discussions, like concerts, conferences, family gatherings, or unplanned get-togethers with friends.

3. Mishearing consonants

If you’ve lived long enough to develop presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), then it’s possible that you’ve lost your ability to hear high-frequency noises.

You may have a hearing issue if you have trouble hearing words with the letters F, Th, S, V, K, Sh, and P.

As a result, you are prone to misunderstand critical parts of the conversation and respond inappropriately, or you might think the person speaking to you is murmuring or mumbling.

If you notice that you are missing out on consonants, schedule a consultation with an audiologist for an evaluation.

4. Missing high-pitched sounds

When was the last time you listened to the song of the birds outside your window? Can you still hear the crickets chirping? Take a moment to reflect.

When your car signal blinks, can you still hear it? Do you have trouble hearing women or young children?

If you are missing out on high-pitched sounds and voices, you might suffer from high-frequency hearing loss. Hearing frequencies at or above 2,000 Hz is challenging for those with this type of hearing loss.

With this kind of hearing loss, it is challenging to hear high-pitched or shrill tones, such as the voice of women and children.

5. Listening fatigue

People with hearing loss experience weariness earlier and with fewer stimuli than those with normal hearing.

If you find yourself trying to hear the conversation and becoming more exhausted than usual, listening fatigue may be setting in.

When your hearing is compromised, the brain needs to work considerably harder to process sound.

Having trouble hearing others clearly and misinterpreting what they say, particularly in noisy environments, are common symptoms of hearing loss.

Small changes in your daily routine may also show symptoms of hearing loss, such as constantly requesting verbal repetition from friends or family, watching TV, or listening to music at a loudness that is uncomfortably loud for other people in the room.

Noticing signs of hearing loss? 

Don’t shrug it off! Hearing loss may occur suddenly or develop gradually.

Knowing the early signs of hearing loss can help you be on the lookout for red flags and make you seek professional help before the condition progresses.

Audiologists in Longmont, CO

Audiologists at Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center have been helping patients of all ages hear better and find tinnitus relief for more than two decades.

Entrust your hearing to the experts – contact us today to schedule an appointment!