What are the Most Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss?

Approximately 30 million Americans experience hearing loss in both ears but many of us are unfamiliar with common symptoms associated with the problem. Obtaining treatment from a reputable audiologist can help to combat hearing problems, so it’s important to seek advice at the first signs of hearing loss. 

To ensure you recognize hearing loss as soon as it becomes apparent, look at common symptoms associated with the condition:

Muffled sounds

Hearing loss rarely presents as a complete loss of hearing function. Instead, you may notice that sounds become muffled or less distinct than they once were. If you have trouble making out different sounds or struggle to differentiate between sounds, it may be a sign of hearing loss.

Asking people to repeat themselves

People with hearing loss may find it difficult to follow conversations, which is partly why the condition can be so isolating. If you find it hard to catch what people are saying, it may be indicative of an issue with your hearing. This can become more apparent in busy locations or bustling venues, as the additional noise impacts your ability to hear the person speaking.

Turning the volume up

A key indicator of hearing loss is consistently turning the volume up on televisions, radios and phones. If you find that your electrical equipment is regularly set to a higher volume than average, it’s probably worth contacting your audiologist and arranging a hearing test.

If you live with other people, they may comment on how loud the television is or ask you to turn the radio down. Although you may not realize it yourself, this can highlight hearing issues and hearing loss.

Increased concentration

When you’re experiencing hearing loss, you may find that you must concentrate more to pick up what people are saying. This can be tiring and frustrating, so you may notice that you have less energy than usual. If watching a television show or engaging in conversation becomes laborious, it’s time to get your hearing function checked.

Avoidance of social events

Untreated hearing loss can make it difficult to participate in social events. If you’re unable to hear what’s going on or take part in conversations, attending social events can be stressful. Unfortunately, this means that hearing loss can lead to feelings of anxiety, isolating and even depression. 

If you notice a change in your day-to-day activities or you find yourself unwilling to socialize with others, it’s worth assessing why you feel reluctant to engage in your usual pattern of behavior. If hearing loss is the cause, your audiologist can recommend effective measures to enable you to fully engage in your usual routine. 

Tinnitus

People often assume that tinnitus is a separate issue to hearing function and, in some cases, it can be. However, tinnitus is also a common symptom of hearing loss and often accompanies a loss of hearing function. Characterized by ringing, whistling, whooshing, clicking, hissing or humming sounds in the ears, tinnitus should always be addressed by your audiologist.