Hearing is one of our most important senses. It helps us communicate with family and friends, listen to music, and stay aware of our surroundings. However, sometimes our ability to hear can fade without us even noticing. If you or someone you know is having trouble hearing, it’s important to recognize the signs early. 

An audiologist can help diagnose hearing loss and give treatments as necessary. Link Audiology has audiologists providing hearing tests in Washington.

Learn more about the five most common signs of hearing loss:

1. Turning Up the Volume

One of the first signs of hearing loss is needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio. If you find yourself or a loved one constantly increasing the volume, it might be because you’re having trouble hearing it at normal levels. You may also notice that other people in the room think the volume is too loud, even though it seems fine to you. This could be a sign that your hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be.

2. Trouble Following Conversations

Another symptom of hearing loss is difficulty following a conversation. It usually is a problem with hearing a conversation in a noisy location like restaurants or crowded rooms. Ifyou find yourself asking people to repeat themselves often, your hearing might be impaired.

3. Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

Do you ever hear a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears when there’s no outside noise? This is called tinnitus, and it can be a sign of hearing loss. Tinnitus can range from a slight annoyance to a constant noise that makes it hard to focus. It’s important to talk to a doctor if you’re experiencing tinnitus because it could be a symptom of hearing damage or other health issues.

4. Difficulty Hearing High-Pitched Sounds

Typically, hearing loss first occurs in the higher-pitched frequencies. You may struggle to hear women’s voices and those of children or other sounds like birds chirping and doorbells. This is because the part of the ear interpreting higher-pitched sounds will frequently be among the first parts to deteriorate with age or damage. If those sounds begin to fade away or sound dulled, then there may be an indication of hearing loss.

5. Feeling Tired after Listening

If you feel tired immediately after a conversation or after sitting in a noisy place, you may be experiencing what’s known as “listening fatigue.” When the decline of hearing happens, your brain has to work overtime to fill in information that it is missing. That added work can make you feel tired even after talking for just a few minutes. So if you leave social events feeling more drained than usual, it may not be from being with friends-it might be because your hearing is giving out on you.

What Should You Do if You Notice These Signs?

If you or someone you care about is showing any of these signs, it’s important to get your hearing checked by a professional. Audiologists are experts who can perform hearing tests to see if there is any hearing loss and what might be causing it. Early detection is key. The sooner hearing loss is found, the better it can be managed with hearing aids or other treatments.

Link Audiology has audiologists providing hearing tests and hearing aids in Washington.

Preventing Hearing Loss

While some hearing loss is natural as we age, there are steps you can take to protect your ears. Avoiding loud noises, wearing ear protection in noisy environments, and keeping the volume down on headphones and earbuds can help keep your hearing sharp for years to come.

Audiologists In Washington

Hearing loss can affect your ability to enjoy life and can even lead to cognitive decline, but recognizing the signs early is important. Whether it’s turning up the volume, struggling in conversations, or hearing ringing in your ears, these are all clues that your hearing might need attention. 

If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with expert audiologists in Washington. 

We have clinics in Silverdale, Vashon, and University Place.