Warning Signs of Hearing Loss: When to See an Audiologist

Hearing loss is a problem that people of all ages may experience. Often, this condition can be quite subtle at the onset and gradually worsen as time passes by. A person might not notice they have hearing loss right away and only see an audiologist when the condition has become more severe. One should be familiar with the signs of hearing loss to help detect the condition early. Read on to learn about what indicators to look out for.

Trouble Communicating in Crowds

Hearing loss makes it difficult for a person to distinguish spoken words and softer sounds in a noisy environment. If you notice that you are having trouble understanding what people are saying in a busy area, this may indicate that you are developing hearing loss. Try to observe how well others around you are communicating in the same busy area. If you find that you are the only one experiencing hearing issues, it may be time to visit an audiologist.

Missing the Phone or Doorbell Ringing

People developing auditory issues may have difficulty hearing the phone or doorbell ringing, especially if the source of the sound is not in the immediate area. Their ears may no longer be picking up certain tones and pitches at a particular volume. This may include high-pitched sounds like birds chirping or a kettle whistling. So, if you miss calls or visitors often, you should get your hearing checked to be safe.

Ringing in the Ears and Other Phantom Sounds

Have you been hearing ringing, whooshing, buzzing, clicking, or even roaring sounds that no one else around you seems to notice? You are probably experiencing tinnitus. People who have this symptom hear all sorts of sounds that do not have an external source.

Tinnitus is not a condition that happens on its own. It often has underlying causes, such as hearing loss. Auditory issues usually come with tinnitus. Often, people with hearing loss have damaged cilia, the small hairs in your ear responsible for perceiving sound. Damaged cilia can send false sound signals to the brain, which it can interpret as random noises like ringing, and whooshing. So, if you experience tinnitus on a regular basis, you should definitely get it checked at a hearing clinic.

These are just some of the warning signs of hearing loss. Get in touch with Bluegrass Hearing Clinic in Kentucky if you have experienced any of these red flags. Our audiologists can help you determine the cause of your hearing loss and get you started on treatment.