Bananas taste much different then they used to. That’s because modern banana farmers grow a really different variety of banana then they used to. These new bananas sprout faster, are more robust, and can thrive in a wider variety of climates. They don’t taste the same either. So how did this change happen without us noticing? Well, the change wasn’t a rapid one. You never noticed the gradual switch.
Hearing loss can occur in the same way. It’s not like all of a sudden your hearing is entirely gone. In most cases of hearing loss, it goes undetected because it advances so slowly.
Early treatment can really help preserve your hearing so that’s a regrettable truth. If you are aware that your hearing is in danger, for instance, you might take more precautions to protect it. So it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these seven signs of waning hearing.
You should get your hearing tested if you notice any of these 7 signs
Hearing loss isn’t always well understood as it happens slowly over time. It’s not like you’ll be completely incapable of hearing the day after you went to that big rock show. Damage to your hearing (from that rock concert and other loud noises) builds up over time. The sooner you treat your hearing loss, the better off you’ll be. Neglected hearing loss has been linked to a greater risk of issues such as dementia, social solitude, and depression, so it isn’t something you want to mess around with.
You should, uh, keep your ear to the ground for these seven signs that you might be experiencing hearing loss. A hearing test is the only way to be sure, but maybe these warning signs will motivate you to take some early action.
Sign #1: You’re constantly turning the volume up
Do you find yourself continuously reaching for the volume controls? Maybe they’re mixing the audio on your favorite shows differently now, or your favorite artists have started to mumble. But it’s also possible (if not likely) that you’re hearing is slowly going, and that you’re raising the volume of your favorite TV show or music to compensate.
If others keep telling you the volume is too loud this is particularly likely. They can usually spot hearing problems in you sooner than you can.
Sign #2: You failed to hear the phone ringing (or the doorbell)
If you’re continuously missing some day to day sounds, that could be a sign of issues with your ears. Here are some common sounds you may be missing:
- Somebody knocking on your door or ringing the doorbell: When your good friend unexpectedly walks into your house, consider the possibility that they did actually knock, you simply missed it.
- Alarms and timers: Did you overcook dinner or sleep or sleep through your alarm clock? It may not be your alarm’s fault.
- Your phone: Are you missing text messages? You’re more likely to miss text messages than calls since no one makes calls these days.
If your family and friends have stated that they’re kind of afraid of driving with you because you’re missing so many everyday sounds (from honking horns to the beeping of a truck backing up), that could be a sign that it’s time for a hearing test.
Sign #3: You keep needing people to repeat what they said
Are your most frequently used words “what?” or “pardon?”? It’s likely that it’s a problem with your hearing that’s causing you to need people to repeat themselves when they talk to you. If people do repeat themselves and you still can’t hear them this is particularly true. Most likely, time to get a hearing test.
Sign #4: Is everyone starting to mumble?
You could also call this sign #3-A, since they go pretty well together. If it sounds as if everyone around you is continuously mumbling or saying something under their breath, the truth is… well, they likely aren’t. That may be a relief (it’s no fun to be surrounded by people who you think are mumbling things about you). The truth is that you’re simply not hearing them because of your hearing loss.
This can be particularly pronounced if you’re trying to listen to someone who has a higher pitched voice, or if you have to have a conversation in a noisy space, such as a restaurant.
Sign #5: Loved ones keep suggesting you have your hearing checked
Your friends and family probably know you quite well. It’s likely that at least some of them have pretty healthy hearing. It’s a good plan to pay attention to your family members (especially the younger ones) if they are telling you something’s up with your hearing.
It’s understandable that you would want to rationalize away this advice. Perhaps you feel like they just caught you on a bad day or something. But taking their advice could preserve the health of your hearing.
Sign #6: Your ears are ringing or you’re experiencing balance problems
Ringing in your ears is a condition called tinnitus. It’s not at all uncommon. There are a couple of reasons why you may experience more ringing in your ears when you’re dealing with hearing loss:
- Damage can trigger both: Damage causes both tinnitus and loss of hearing. So you’re more likely to develop tinnitus and hearing loss the more damaged your hearing is.
- Tinnitus is more noticeable when you have hearing loss: In your typical day-to-day life, tinnitus can be overpowered by the everyday noises you experience. 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 a sign that something is going on in your ears. And that means (no shock here), yes, you should come see us for an exam.
Sign #7: Socializing leaves you feeling exhausted
Perhaps you’ve always been an introvert at heart, and that’s why social settings have become totally draining. Or maybe, and just hear us out here (again with the puns), your hearing isn’t what it used to be.
Your hearing could be the reason why you feel wiped out after leaving a restaurant or social affair. When there are interruptions in what you hear, your brain tries overtime to fill in those holes. This additional effort by your brain can leave you feeling exhausted. So when you’re in especially challenging situations (like a noisy space), you might experience even more fatigue.
The first step is calling us for an appointment
Honestly, hearing damage is common to everybody to some degree. If or when you develop hearing loss has a lot to do with how well you safeguard your ears when you’re subjected to loud sound.
So if you’ve encountered 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 are diagnosed.
