Symptoms | Crystal Clear Hearing

Identifying signs of illness and disease.

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Identifying Signs of Hearing Loss

One in six adults 18 and older has hearing loss.1 If you suspect you or someone you love might be experiencing hearing loss, there are several signs to look out for. Pay attention to difficulties in understanding conversations, asking others to repeat themselves frequently, turning up the volume excessively on electronic devices, and experiencing ringing or buzzing in the ears. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve quality of life for those with hearing loss.

Common signs of hearing loss

Difficulty Understanding Speech

Struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments, can indicate hearing loss.

Frequent Need for Repetition

Asking others to repeat themselves frequently, even in quiet settings, may signal hearing impairment.

High Volume Requirement

Increasing the volume on electronic devices, such as the TV or phone, beyond usual levels could be a sign of hearing loss.

Social Withdrawal

Avoiding social gatherings or situations where hearing difficulties may be apparent can indicate a struggle with hearing loss.

Ringing or Buzzing in Ears

Experiencing persistent ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears, known as tinnitus, may accompany hearing loss.

Difficulty Hearing Certain Sounds

Struggling to hear high-pitched sounds or consonants, like “s” or “th,” can be indicative of hearing impairment.

Why people ignore hearing loss

Many individuals overlook signs of hearing loss due to stigma, denial, or fear of aging. Ignoring hearing issues can lead to communication difficulties, social isolation, and decreased quality of life.

It's unrecognized

“I don’t have hearing loss” they say, “you just mumble and talk too softly.”

It’s easy to compensate for

“I’ll just turn up the volume, ask others to repeat themselves, or avoid places where hearing is a problem.”

It’s viewed as no big deal

Many people are unfamiliar with research linking hearing loss to falls, depression, social isolation and dementia.

They think hearing aids are a pain

Maybe once upon a time, but today’s hearing aids are smart, sophisticated and designed to set-and-forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I recognize hearing problems?

Most of the time hearing problems begin gradually without discomfort or pain. What’s more, family members often learn to adapt to someone’s hearing loss without even realizing they are doing it. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether you have hearing loss.

Are there different types of hearing loss?

There are three types of hearing loss including: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Most people lose at least some degree of their hearing as they age, and by the time they reach age 65 and older, one in three people has some type of hearing impairment.

Doesn't hearing loss only affect old people?

Hearing loss can occur at any time, at any age. In fact, most people with hearing loss (65 percent) are younger than age 65! There are 6 million people in the US ages 18–44 with hearing loss, and around 1.5 million are school age.

If I had hearing loss, wouldn't my doctor have told me?

Only 13 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss. Since most people with hearing impairments hear just fine in quiet environments (like your doctor’s office), it can be very difficult for your physician to recognize this problem. Only a trained hearing professional can determine the severity of your hearing problem, whether or not you could benefit from a hearing aid, and which type would be best for you.

If I think I have a hearing problem, what do I do?

You should make an appointment with a hearing professional like an audiologist, hearing aid specialist or ENT for an evaluation, consultation and hearing test. Many hearing care professionals offer this evaluation at no charge.