People can start experiencing hearing loss at any stage of their lives. Several factors can trigger hearing loss, such as aging, infections, trauma, and excessive exposure to noise. According to WHO, over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
Although surgical or medical procedures help treat hearing loss, most individuals with this condition are prone to experiencing permanent or progressive hearing loss. Awareness of the warning signs of possible hearing loss is crucial to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. A professional evaluation can help determine the cause of the problem and prevent it from progressing.
The 10 Early Warning Signs of Hearing Loss
Here is a list of some of the most prominent warning signs of hearing loss.
- Hard to hear in a noisy environment: Early signs of hearing loss are usually related to loud environments. People with this condition may have difficulty understanding speech in restaurants and bars.
- Requesting people to repeat themselves: Another early sign of hearing loss is asking people to repeat their conversations. If you are constantly asking others to repeat themselves, this could indicate that your hearing is starting to decline.
- Not able to hear high-pitched sounds: People with hearing loss may have difficulties hearing high-pitched noises, such as birds chirping or certain alarms.
- Distorted or muffled speech: Those with hearing loss may also experience distorted or muffled speech, which sounds like the words are being said through a barrier.
- Tinnitus: One of the most common symptoms of hearing loss is tinnitus, a ringing in the ears. It is due to damaged ears or an inner ear's auditory nerve issue.
- Losing body balance: People suffering from hearing loss may also experience dizziness or balance issues.
- Withdrawing from social activities: People with hearing loss might stop participating in social events or activities due to their inability to communicate or understand speech.
- Strain and fatigue increase: The effort required to listen to speech and other sounds can be tiring for people with hearing loss. It can also cause them to feel mentally exhausted after a social event or conversation.
- Not hearing the phone or doorbell: Difficulties such as these, which can worsen quickly, can be early signs of hearing loss.
- Watching TV at a high volume: People suffering from hearing problems may also need to increase their television or radio volume as their hearing worsens.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
The symptoms vary depending on the attributing factor. A diagnosis and evaluation by a healthcare professional are also essential to ensure you get the best possible treatment. Seek medical attention if:
- You notice sudden hearing loss in one or both ears.
- Hearing loss affects your daily life.
- You have been exposed to loud noise for a prolonged period of time.
- You have a family history of hearing loss.
- You have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or following a conversation when more than one person is talking.
Need Standard Treatment for Hearing Loss? Contact Hoffmann Audiology Today!
An audiologist can address many issues that can lead to hearing loss. If you or your loved one is suffering from this condition, contact our team at Hoffmann Audiology in Irvine, CA, to set up an appointment with Dr Hoffman. Our doctor (who holds an experience of a decade as a licensed hearing aid dispenser) and the team can diagnose and treat your concern, provide you with a hearing test, and create a customized treatment plan to help you get rid of hearing loss.
