Hearing Loss Symptoms

Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States. And yes, it is considered a health problem.  For most people, hearing loss occurs very slowly and gradually. Your hearing loss may be so gradual that you don’t realize you have lost the ability to hear until it is gone.

Some Early Symptoms of Hearing Loss

When you first begin to experience hearing loss, you may think that people have started mumbling more. You probably just wish they would speak up already!   You may find that you ask your husband or wife to speak up more.  Your spouse may accuse you of “selective hearing.”

Another early sign of hearing loss is having problems communicating on the telephone.  You may fiddle with the volume control and blame your inability to hear on a bad connection, interference, or a cell phone that needs to be replaced.  It might not be the phone; it might be your hearing.  As long as you are hearing some things, you assume you can hear everything. 

Other Symptoms of Hearing Loss

There might be some truth to your spouse’s accusation of “selective hearing.”  When you first start to lose your hearing, the first thing that goes is the ability to hear high-pitched sounds.  If your spouse has a high-pitched voice, you really can’t hear them speak!  Since children also tend to have high-pitched voices, you may have trouble hearing kids and grandkids.

Here are some other symptoms of hearing loss:

• Trouble hearing when there is background noise
• Trouble with conversation when more than one person speaks at the same time
• Trouble hearing consonants (especially S and F)
• Not understanding what people say
• Asking people to repeat what they have said
• Others complaining that the TV is too loud
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

When to See the Doctor about Hearing Loss Symptoms

If hearing loss is beginning to affect your quality of life or damage your relationships, you can’t put off a hearing evaluation any longer.  If conversation and social interactions start to become stressful, it may be time to see the doctor about hearing loss. If you are tired at the end of the day from simply trying to follow conversation, it’s time to have your hearing evaluated.  Hearing loss can lead to or contribute to depression, especially in the elderly.

Your family members will probably notice your hearing loss before you do.  When they suggest you see the doctor about your hearing, then you know it is time.  A hearing evaluation does not take much time, is not painful, and may well be the first step to improving the quality of your life.