Hearing loss is a common problem that is caused by aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain diseases, and genetic variations. More than half the people in the country over the age of 75 live with age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis. Depending on the part of the ear it affects, presbycusis may be of three types – conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Here are some of the most common warning signs of hearing loss.

Difficulty in hearing consonant sounds
Those living with presbycusis may lose their ability to hear high-frequency sounds. These normally include consonant sounds like S, F, Th, Sh, K, V, and P. This means one may easily confuse terms like “show” and “throw” or “peep” and “keep”, which can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunication. One may also think that others are mumbling or talking in muffled tones.

Straining to listen
Hearing is a brain activity and those who suffer from hearing loss need to strain to listen to what others are saying, which takes a lot of effort for the brain to process the sounds and make sense of them. This can cause listening fatigue. Doctors or audiologists may prescribe professional hearing aids to reduce the strain on one’s ears.

Difficulty in understanding the conversation in loud/crowded places Another warning sign of high-frequency hearing loss is the inability to decipher speech in loud or crowded situations. For some people, it may lead to avoiding social situations entirely, while others may feel exhausted after a social event.

Ringing in the ears
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), tinnitus is one of the most common health conditions in the country with over 50 million people suffering from it. The condition causes a ringing sound in the ear and can be a result of age-related hearing loss or noise-induced hearing loss.

Watching people’s lips instead of making eye contact
When the auditory sense doesn’t work at optimal levels, the brain tries to make up for it by enhancing other senses in the body, such as eyesight. When one experiences trouble hearing, they may end up looking at the other person’s lips or mouth to try to grasp what they are saying, instead of making eye contact.

Clogged ears
At times, this may just be a result of wax or fluid buildup in the ear. However, it may also be caused by age-related hearing loss, which makes all sounds dull or muffled. Those experiencing this must visit an audiologist and get a hearing test.

Constantly increasing TV volume
Constantly needing to turn up the volume when watching TV or listening to the radio is a warning sign of hearing loss. Entertainment shows generally utilize a mix of dialogue, sound effects, and music. Often, the speech may sound muffled because of the background score. If one finds themselves constantly raising the volume to be able to hear what the characters are saying, it may be time to get their ears tested.

If one experiences one or more of the above symptoms, it may be time to get their hearing tested. These tests are painless and make use of headphones or soft ear plugs connected to an audiometer. Based on one’s results, doctors will discuss the best mitigation strategies and treatment options to help one overcome hearing loss.