Bananas taste much different then they did in the past. That’s because modern banana farmers grow a really different variety of banana then they did in the past. These new bananas sprout faster, are more robust, and can prosper in a wider variety of climates. They don’t taste the same either. So how did this change take place without us detecting it? Well, the change wasn’t a quick one. You never noticed the gradual change.
The same thing can happen with your ears and hearing loss. It isn’t like suddenly your hearing is totally gone. In most circumstances of hearing loss, it goes undetected because it advances so slowly.
That’s unfortunate because early intervention can help maintain your hearing. You can take steps to safeguard your hearing if you recognize that it’s in danger. So it’s a good plan to be on the lookout for these seven signs of diminishing hearing.
7 indications you should get a hearing exam
Hearing loss isn’t always thoroughly grasped as it happens gradually over time. It isn’t like you’ll go to a noisy rock concert and the next day find yourself entirely unable to hear. Damage to your hearing (from that rock concert and other loud noises) increases over time. The earlier you manage your hearing loss, the better off you’ll be. Neglected hearing loss has been connected to a greater risk of issues like dementia, social solitude, and depression, so it’s not something you should mess about with.
You should, uh, keep your ear to the ground for these seven signs that you may be developing hearing loss. A hearing test is the only way to be sure, but perhaps these warning signs will prompt you to take some early action.
Sign #1: You’re constantly turning the volume up
Are you constantly cranking up the volume on your devices? Perhaps they’re mixing the sound on your favorite shows differently now, or your favorite actors have begun to mumble. But it’s also possible (if not likely) that you’re hearing is slowly degrading, and that you’re increasing the volume of your favorite TV show or music to compensate.
If others keep telling you the volume is too high this is especially likely. They will often observe your hearing loss before you become aware of it.
Sign #2: You failed to hear your phone ringing (or the doorbell)
It could be a sign that you’re having hearing problems if you are constantly missing day to day sounds. A few of the most ordinary noises you might miss include:
- Someone knocking on your door or ringing your doorbell: You thought your friend unexpectedly walked into your house but you in fact missed him knocking.
- Timers and alarms: Did you overcook dinner or sleep or sleep through the ringing of your alarm clock? It might not be because your cook timer or alarm clock is not loud enough.
- Your phone: Text messages coming to you but you’re missing them? You’re more likely to miss text messages than phone calls since nobody makes calls nowadays.
You’re missing important sounds while driving, like honking horns or trucks beeping while backing up, and your friends and family are becoming scared to drive with you.
Sign #3: You’re continuously asking people to repeat themselves
Are your most frequently used words “what?” or “pardon?”? It’s likely that it’s an issue with your hearing that’s causing you to need people to repeat what they said when they’re talking with you. If people do repeat what they said and you still don’t hear them this is especially relevant. Looks like a hearing test is needed.
Sign #4: It sounds like everyone’s always mumbling
You could also call this sign #3-A, because they go rather well together. If it sounds as if everybody around you is continuously mumbling or talking under their breath, the reality is… well, they probably aren’t. That may be a comfort (it’s no fun to be surrounded by individuals who you think are mumbling stuff about you). The reality is that you’re just not hearing them due to your loss of hearing.
If you’re trying to talk to somebody in a noisy setting or with someone who has a high pitched voice this can be particularly relevant.
Sign #5: Loved ones keep suggesting you get your hearing checked
You most likely have a pretty close relationship with your friends and family. It’s likely that at least some of them have fairly healthy hearing. It’s a good idea 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. Maybe you feel like they just caught you on a bad day or something. But taking their advice could maintain 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 isn’t at all uncommon. When you have hearing loss, your tinnitus can become profound for a couple of reasons:
- Both can be caused by damage: Damage triggers both tinnitus and hearing loss. So the more damaged your hearing system is, the more likely you are to develop both hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Hearing loss can make tinnitus more obvious: In your typical day-to-day life, tinnitus can be overpowered by the everyday noises you experience. But as those everyday noises recede to the background (as a result of hearing loss), the tinnitus becomes relatively louder and considerably more noticeable.
It could be a sign that you’re experiencing problems with your ears, either way, if you have loud noises in your ears or balance issues and vertigo. This means it’s time to come see us for a hearing test.
Sign #7: Socializing leaves you feeling depleted
Maybe you’ve always been an introvert at heart, and that’s why social settings have become completely draining. Or maybe, and just hear us out here (again with the puns), your hearing isn’t what it used to be.
Your hearing may be the cause when you feel wiped out after leaving a restaurant or social affair. Your brain is attempting to fill in the holes that you can’t hear. This is fatiguing (no matter how good your brain is), particularly over the long run. So when you’re in particularly challenging situations (such as a noisy space), you might experience even more fatigue.
The first step is getting in touch with us for an appointment
Honestly, hearing damage is normal to everybody to some level. If or when you develop hearing loss is heavily dependent on how well you safeguard your ears when you’re exposed to loud sound.
So it may be an indication that the banana is changing if you encounter any of these signs. Thankfully, there’s something you can do about it: come in and get tested! You’ll be able to get treatment as soon as you get diagnosed.