Did you know that one in eight people in the U.S. has hearing loss in both ears? That adds up to around 30 million people living with hearing problems.
Luckily, early intervention can help curb hearing loss progression, lower the risk of cognitive decline, and improve your overall quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about the early signs of hearing loss – and what to do if you experience them.
What Are The Early Signs of Hearing Loss?
Some of the most common early signs of hearing loss include:
- Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus
- Having to ask people to repeat themselves
- Often misunderstanding people or having trouble hearing them clearly
- Struggling to hear the doorbell or phone ringing
- Having to raise the volume of music or the TV higher than others need
- Struggling to identify which direction a sound is coming from
- Often feeling fatigued from having to focus while listening
- Struggling to hear soft voices or children’s voices
- Hearing better out of one ear than the other
Can I Prevent Hearing Loss?
Certain underlying conditions that cause hearing loss can’t be prevented, like otosclerosis, Ménière’s disease, autoimmune ear disease, and acoustic neuroma. However, it’s possible to prevent some hearing loss by:
- Using noise-canceling headphones and keeping them at a low volume
- Wearing earplugs in high-noise environments (especially if you have a loud workplace)
- Turning down the volume when you listen to music or watch TV
- Limiting your exposure to loud sounds
- Scheduling an appointment with your ENT if you experience signs of hearing loss
If you’re struggling with symptoms of hearing loss, we’re here to help. Our trained team offers a range of advanced treatments for hearing loss, including earwax removal, bone-anchored hearing aids, and cochlear implantation. Schedule your appointment today to get started!
