Because hearing loss often creeps up over time, it can be hard to spot the warning signs until your hearing has suffered considerable damage. Here are some early indicators of hearing loss.

You Struggle to Hear High-Pitched Voices

Losing the ability to hear high-frequency sounds is usually a symptom of presbycusis or age-related hearing loss. You may have trouble hearing women and children. High-frequency hearing loss also affects your ability to differentiate between consonant sounds such as F, K, P and V.

Group Conversations Leave You Exhausted

Multiple speakers and background noise make it difficult for your brain to interpret speech. You may feel tired after talking with a group of people or holding a conversation in a noisy place like a restaurant. If you have hearing loss, your brain is putting in extra effort to sort through sound stimuli, which requires more energy.

Background Noise is Almost Non-Existent

When was the last time you noticed the clock ticking or birds chirping? Hearing loss affects your ability to perceive softer, more subtle everyday sounds. Age-related hearing loss can be caused by noise exposure, permanently damaging the hair cells in your inner ears responsible for converting sound to electrical signals for your brain.

Your Ears Are Ringing

Tinnitus affects more than 50 million Americans and is a common symptom of noise-induced hearing loss. The ringing may also be caused by underlying health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that can also exacerbate hearing loss.

Your Ears Feel “Full”

Do your ears feel blocked or under pressure? Earwax buildup, tumors, bone growths and infections can block or inflame your ear canal. That’s known as conductive hearing loss and can usually be treated by removing the blockage or taking antibiotics for an infection.If you’ve experienced symptoms of early hearing loss, call 704-412-7975 or schedule your appointment online. We’ll conduct a thorough hearing test and help you find the right treatment to suit your needs.