What Are Common Signs of Hearing Loss?

What Are Common Signs of Hearing Loss?

March 25, 2024, in Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects millions of people, and it often develops gradually. If you have started to experience the following symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a hearing examination at Athens Hearing.

1. Listening Fatigue

Listening fatigue refers to the strain that you might feel when trying to hear. This strain occurs because the brain is working harder to interpret signals sent from the inner ear. Listening fatigue can cause a physical and mental drain, which may also lead to people disengaging from social events. If you feel this fatigue regularly, we recommend scheduling a hearing exam.

2. Difficulty Following Conversations

Some people with early hearing loss say that they can hear a conversation, but not understand it. Others feel like they are missing words, or it seems like people are mumbling. It can be especially difficult to follow conversations in loud settings or when speaking over the phone. Because of this, people with hearing loss might get frustrated and start to isolate themselves, which can have emotional and mental implications. Our hearing experts can help restore your hearing so that you can fully engage with friends and family.

3. Difficulty Watching TV

If you have to turn up the volume to watch TV or listen to the radio, it is likely a sign of hearing loss. High-frequency sounds transmitted from these devices are often the first aspects of hearing to be lost. Turning up the following can have side effects; constant loud volume is a key factor that can speed up hearing loss, which is why it is good to get an exam as soon as possible.

4. Ringing in the Ears

Tinnitus is an ear condition classified by a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. About 90% of people who have tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. Tinnitus can also be caused by an injury to the ear, ear infections, or earwax blockages. All of these conditions can be treated at our office while we determine whether your tinnitus is linked to hearing loss.

How is Hearing Loss Treated?

Persistent hearing loss is often treated with hearing aids or hearing implants. At Athens Hearing, we offer many types of hearing aids and can help you find the right one, based on the type of hearing loss you are experiencing and your lifestyle. Hearing aids are available as devices that fit in the ear, behind the ear, or in the ear canal where they cannot be seen.

Schedule a Consultation

At Athens Hearing, our ear doctors are committed to helping patients improve their overall health and wellness with advanced hearing loss treatments. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, it’s important to receive an examination as soon as possible to prevent your hearing from worsening. Schedule a consultation today with our expert team by calling our office or filling out an online contact form.