Bananas taste much different then they used to. That’s because today’s banana farmers grow a very different variety of banana then they did in the past. Today’s banana can develop successfully in a large number of climates, are more robust, and can sprout faster. They don’t taste the same either. So why haven’t you noticed the great banana exchange? Well, the truth is that it happened slowly, over time. You never noticed the gradual change.
The same thing can happen with your ears and hearing loss. It isn’t like you get up one day and can’t hear anything. In most circumstances of hearing loss, it goes undetected because it progresses so slowly.
Early treatment can really help maintain your hearing so that’s an unfortunate truth. If you know that your hearing is at risk, for instance, you might take more precautions to protect it. That’s why it might be worthwhile to watch for these seven signs your hearing might be waning.
You should have your hearing evaluated if you exhibit any of these 7 indicators
Hearing loss develops slowly and over time, but it’s not always well understood. It’s not like you’ll be completely unable to hear the day after you went to that big rock concert. Damage to your hearing (from that rock concert and other loud noises) builds up over time. So monitoring your hearing early will be the best way to safeguard it. Untreated hearing loss has been connected to an increased risk of problems including dementia, social isolation, and depression, so it isn’t something you should mess about with.
These seven signs are what you should be paying attention to out for. The only way to know for sure is to get a hearing test, but these indicators might encourage you to make an appointment earlier than you otherwise would have.
Sign #1: You’re constantly cranking up the volume
Are you continually cranking up the volume on your devices? Maybe they’re mixing the sound on your favorite shows differently now, or your favorite actors have begun to mumble. But it’s more likely that you’re compensating for your increasing hearing loss by turning the volume up on your devices.
If others keep telling you the TV is too loud this is especially likely. They will frequently detect your hearing loss before you notice it.
Sign #2: You missed the doorbell (or a phone call)
If you’re constantly missing some everyday sounds, that might be a sign of trouble with your ears. Here are some common sounds you could be missing:
- Your doorbell (or a knock on the door): You thought your friend unexpectedly walked into your house but actually missed his knocks.
- Timers and alarms: Did you sleep through your alarm clock? Did the dinner get burned? It may not be your alarm’s fault.
- Your phone: Are you missing text messages? Nobody calls anymore, so you’re more likely to miss a text message than a call.
You’re missing important sounds while driving, like honking horns or trucks beeping while backing up, and your family and friends are becoming scared to drive with you.
Sign #3: You’re constantly needing people to repeat what they said
Is “What?” or “Pardon?” your most commonly used words? If you’re always asking people to repeat themselves, it’s very, very possible it isn’t because of them, it’s because of you (and your hearing). This is especially relevant if people do repeat what they said and you still don’t hear what they’re saying. Probably, time to schedule a hearing assessment.
Sign #4: It sounds like everyone’s always mumbling
This one goes pretty well with #3 and we might even call it #3-A. If it sounds as if everyone around you is constantly mumbling or saying something under their breath, the truth is… well, they likely aren’t. It’s stressful to always feel like people are mumbling about you, so it may be a comfort to find out they’re actually not. The truth is that you’re simply not hearing them due to your loss of hearing.
If you’re attempting to talk to somebody in a noisy setting or with someone who has a high pitched voice this can be especially relevant.
Sign #5: Family members prompt you to get a hearing assessment (or get hearing aids)
Your friends and family most likely know you pretty well. It’s likely that at least some of them have pretty healthy hearing. It’s a smart plan to listen to your family members (particularly the younger ones) if they are telling you something is going on with your hearing.
We understand that it’s all too easy to sort of rationalize this recommendation away. Perhaps you think they just caught you on a bad day or something. But heeding their advice could preserve the health of your hearing.
Sign #6: Your ears are ringing or you’re experiencing balance issues
When you have ringing in your ears, you’re dealing with a condition known as tinnitus. It’s extremely common. There are a couple of reasons why you may experience more ringing in your ears when you’re dealing with hearing loss:
- Both can be triggered by damage: Both hearing loss and tinnitus can be caused by damage. So you’re more likely to develop tinnitus and hearing loss the more damaged your hearing is.
- Tinnitus is more pronounced when you have hearing loss: Tinnitus can be drowned-out by everyday noises in your day-to-day life. But as hearing loss makes those background sounds quieter, tinnitus symptoms come to the front.
In either case, if you’re noticing loud ringing, or even dizziness and vertigo, it could be an indication that something is going on in your ears. This means it’s time to come see us for a hearing test.
Sign #7: Socializing leaves you feeling fatigued
Maybe you’ve always been an introvert at heart, and that’s why social situations have become totally exhausting. Or it may be possible that you’re not hearing as clearly as you once did.
Your hearing may be the cause when you feel wiped out after leaving a restaurant or social affair. Your brain is trying to fill in the gaps that you can’t hear. This is exhausting (no matter how good your brain is), especially over the long run. So when you’re in especially challenging situations (like a noisy space), you might experience even more exhaustion.
Start by coming to see us
Honestly, hearing damage is normal to everybody to some degree. If or when you develop hearing loss has a lot to do with how well you protect your ears when you’re exposed to loud sound.
So if you’ve experienced any of these signs, it’s a sign that the banana is changing. Luckily, you can take matters into your own hands and give us a call for an appointment. You’ll be able to get treatment as soon as you get diagnosed.