Hearing loss usually begins with speech that sounds muffled or unclear, most noticeably in crowded or noisy places. Other common signs include asking people to repeat themselves, setting the television or radio louder than the rest of the household prefers, and a ringing or buzzing in the ears known as tinnitus. The changes build slowly and are easy to dismiss, so an audiologist’s assessment is worth arranging once they become a regular pattern

According to Dr. Rama Vaidyanathan, audiologist in Chembur, “People often tell us they noticed it years ago but assumed everyone was mumbling. Hearing slips away gradually and the brain keeps adjusting, so you don’t see it happening. The sooner we measure it, the more choices you have.

There’s rarely one clear sign. It’s usually a handful of small things that start adding up.

Speech sounds muffled. You can tell someone is talking, but the words run together. Soft voices go first, which is why many people struggle with children or with a softly spoken relative.

Noisy places become hard work. A restaurant, a wedding, a crowded train. Following one voice while everything else carries on around you takes real effort, and often it’s the first thing to go.

“Sorry, what?” becomes a habit. If you’re asking people to repeat themselves several times a day, or they’ve started repeating things before you ask, that’s worth paying attention to.

The volume keeps creeping up. Family members usually notice the TV or phone getting louder before you do. They’ll often mention it, and it can feel irritating to hear.

A ringing or buzzing in the ears. Tinnitus doesn’t always mean hearing loss, but the two show up together often enough that it deserves a proper check.

Everyday sounds fade. A doorbell you missed, birdsong you can’t remember hearing, the “s” and “f” sounds in speech blurring together. Some people also feel drained after a long conversation, simply from the effort of listening.

One ear seems better than the other. You turn your head to favour a side, or can’t tell where a sound is coming from. Our blog on hearing loss in one ear goes through this in more detail.

Rarely just one thing.

Age: Over the years the tiny hair cells in the inner ear wear out, and they don’t grow back. This is the most common cause, and high-pitched sounds usually fade first.

Loud noise: Noisy workplaces, earphones turned up high, loud weddings and years of Mumbai traffic can all chip away at hearing. It doesn’t hurt, which is exactly why people ignore it.

Earwax and infections: Sometimes the problem is simply a blocked or infected ear. That kind of loss is often temporary and treatable, so it’s worth getting your ears examined before assuming the worst.

Medicines and other health conditions: Some medicines, along with diabetes, high blood pressure and old head injuries, can affect hearing. If you suspect a medicine is involved, talk to your doctor and don’t stop it on your own.

Family history: Some families are more prone to age- related hearing loss.

Hearing loss also isn’t only about conversations. Studies have linked untreated hearing loss with a higher risk of memory and thinking problems later in life, which we cover in our blog on hearing loss and dementia.

There’s no single answer. It depends on what the tests show and how you live.

Type and degree of hearing loss: A hearing loss assessment shows how much hearing you’ve lost, which pitches are affected and what type of loss it is. This is the biggest factor in deciding the next step.

The cause behind it: If the problem is earwax or an infection, the treatment is medical and often temporary. Some causes need an ENT doctor to look at the ear first, before anything else is considered.

Your daily listening needs: Someone who spends the day in meetings needs something different from a person who mostly talks to family at home. Work, social life and the places where you struggle most all matter.

Comfort and fit: Ear shape, how easily you handle small devices and what feels comfortable all play a part, which is why a trial before choosing is a sensible step.

Realistic expectations: Hearing aids make sounds and speech easier to access, but they don’t bring back your old hearing. Most people need a few weeks of regular wear and some follow-up fine-tuning before things feel natural.

Because all of this varies from person to person, the right treatment should be decided with an audiologist after a proper evaluation.

• Muffled speech, trouble in noisy places, frequent repeating, a rising TV volume and ringing in the ears are the most common signs of hearing loss.
• It builds slowly, so family and friends often notice before you do.
• If symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, book a hearing test.
• Sudden hearing loss, ear pain, discharge or dizziness need urgent medical attention.
• Checking early gives you more options and makes everyday conversations easier.
• To book a hearing evaluation in Chembur, call +91 9004036018.

Reference:

1. NHS – Hearing Loss. Explains common signs of hearing loss, including difficulty following speech, asking people to repeat themselves and raised volume. Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss/
2. World Health Organization – Deafness and Hearing Loss. Covers causes, prevention and the importance of early identification of hearing loss. Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss  

Disclaimer: This blog is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.