Hearing loss may either occur suddenly or gradually. Aside from the primary symptom of diminished hearing, there are other signs of hearing loss that you need to be aware of.
When any ear component is not functioning normally, hearing loss might occur. Hearing loss may result from problems with the auditory system, inner ear, middle ear, or hearing (acoustic) nerve.
The nerve endings in the cochlea and hairs in the inner ear are responsible for carrying sound signals to the brain. These delicate parts of the ear may either degenerate or get damaged due to aging or exposure to loud sounds.
What are the five symptoms of hearing loss and when should you visit an audiologist to get a hearing test?
Turning up the volume higher than usual
Have you ever been asked to lower the TV volume because it was too loud for other people in the same room as you?
This little detail may be dismissible, but if you notice that this incident occurs more frequently, you ought to have your hearing examined. It’s a well-known fact that other people, typically a spouse, a close friend, or somebody you deal with on a daily basis, are the first to discover early signs of hearing loss.
If they make a remark regarding your potential hearing issues, don’t take it personally. Consider this an indication to visit an audiologist, and act upon it.
Tinnitus
When you hear ringing or other disturbances in one or both of your ears, it’s called tinnitus. Other people typically cannot hear the sounds you perceive when you have tinnitus since it is not caused by an outside sound. Tinnitus is a frequent issue. About 15% to 20% of people experience it, and older folks are more likely to do so.
Tinnitus is typically brought on by an underlying ailment, such as hearing loss brought on by aging, an ear injury, or a circulatory issue. When the underlying cause of tinnitus is treated or other therapies are used to lessen or cover up the noise, tinnitus often gets better for many people.
Hearing sounds that are distorted or muted
If you have allergies, hay fever, or a cold, your hearing may become muffled. Congestion is often to blame for the muffled hearing, and it usually gets better on its own. However, if you only have muddled hearing and no other symptoms, you should see a doctor.
A blockage in the ear canal from impacted earwax may also result in hearing distortion. If you develop ear wax buildup, your hearing may be compromised or degraded. An audiologist can examine your ears to see if there are any physical impediments that could be impairing your hearing.
Hearing difficulties even with light background noise
Experiencing difficulty hearing in background noise is a common issue for older people or individuals with high-frequency hearing loss. Two of the most frequent causes of difficulties hearing over background noise are auditory processing disorders and high-frequency hearing loss. An audiologist can identify the specific type of hearing loss that may be the source of your symptoms.
Avoiding interactions with people
Withdrawing from social interactions is one of the common signs of hearing loss. Social isolation is more likely to occur for individuals who experience hearing loss, as they choose to withdraw and keep their distance due to difficulty in hearing. If not treated, hearing loss can lead to psychological and social problems that have an impact on one’s emotions and society.
Many of life’s most treasured activities, such as talking to a loved one, hearing a baby’s giggle, or listening to your favorite song can be difficult to enjoy if you have hearing loss.
Got signs of hearing loss? Get a hearing test today!
It’s time to make an appointment with a reputable and trusted audiologist to have your hearing tested if you believe that you or a loved one is showing early signs of hearing loss.
Austin Hearing Aid Center offers comprehensive hearing tests in Austin, TX, and nearby communities.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!