Are you concerned about potential hearing loss for yourself or a loved one? Understanding the early symptoms is crucial for timely intervention. At Stanford Hearing, we specialize in audiology exams and provide comprehensive hearing loss assessments. We share valuable information on various types of hearing loss and their corresponding symptoms. Recognizing the signs early on can help you take proactive steps towards better hearing health.
Every day signs that show you may have hearing loss:
- Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments.
- Constantly asking people to repeat themselves.
- Feeling like others are mumbling or not speaking clearly.
- Turning up the volume on the TV or radio to levels that others find too loud.
- Having trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, like alarms or doorbells.
- Avoiding social situations or withdrawing from conversations due to difficulty hearing.
- Feeling tired or mentally drained after engaging in conversation.
- Difficulty hearing consonants and understanding speech in background noise.
- Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears (tinnitus).
- Difficulty hearing over the phone or using headphones.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to get your hearing checked by a professional. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss by Type
Hearing loss can be categorized into different degrees of severity, ranging from mild to profound. Here are the symptoms associated with each degree:
Mild Hearing Loss:
- Difficulty in Noisy Environments: Struggling to hear conversations in environments with background noise.
- Misunderstanding Spoken Words: Difficulty catching certain words, especially in situations with competing sounds.
- Tinnitus: Occasional ringing, buzzing, or hissing in one or both ears.
Moderate Hearing Loss:
- Increased Difficulty in Conversations: Greater challenges in understanding spoken words, even in quiet settings.
- Higher TV or Radio Volume: Needing to raise the volume on electronic devices.
- Social Withdrawal: Beginning to withdraw from social activities due to communication challenges.
Severe Hearing Loss:
- Limited Speech Understanding: Difficulty understanding normal speech, even at close distances.
- Dependency on Lip-Reading: Relying more on lip-reading and visual cues to comprehend conversations.
- Social Isolation: Withdrawing from social situations due to increased communication difficulties.
Profound Hearing Loss:
- Limited Speech Comprehension: Profound difficulty understanding spoken words without amplification.
- Minimal or No Sound Perception: Limited ability to hear environmental sounds or speech without hearing aids or cochlear implants.
- Reliance on Sign Language: Dependence on sign language or other non-auditory communication methods.
- Significant Social Isolation: Limited participation in verbal communication, leading to increased social isolation.
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary among individuals, and the impact of hearing loss is subjective. Additionally, the onset and progression of hearing loss can be gradual, making it essential for individuals experiencing any of these symptoms to seek professional evaluation by a licensed hearing care provider. Early intervention, such as hearing aids or other assistive devices, can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
Hearing Locations
Sioux Falls, SD
301 W 14th St.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Madison, SD
323 10th St SW
Madison, SD 57042
Buffalo, MN
Northland Title Building
215 Hwy 55 E, Ste. 200
Buffalo, MN 55313