Six subtle signs of hearing loss and what you can do about it

Ryan Arnold, 46, began experiencing difficulty following conversations in noisy environments about three years ago. As a former on-air radio personality in Chicago and current founder and president of DeSoto & State Communications, Arnold noted that conversations in restaurants and crowded rooms became increasingly challenging. Over the past year, his symptoms worsened, particularly with the emergence of tinnitus, a persistent ringing in his ears, which became harder to ignore. Arnold realized that he was struggling to hear clearly, leading him to frequently ask people to repeat themselves, especially when they weren't facing him directly. Arnold described how some sounds seemed broken up instead of clear, prompting him to think that others were mumbling. Eventually, he recognized that the problem lay with his own hearing. Difficulty filtering out background noise is a potential indicator of hearing loss. According to estimates, about one in six Australians experience some form of hearing trouble, and this number rises to one in three individuals over the age of 50. Identifying hearing loss early is crucial due to its associations with cognitive decline and reduced social engagement, both of which can impact brain health and overall quality of life as one ages. Jamie Bogle, chair of the division of audiology and an assistant professor of audiology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, emphasized that decreased hearing can lead to less desire to engage socially with friends and family, contributing to social isolation and cognitive impairment. Hearing loss typically develops over time, influenced by exposure to loud environments such as workplaces, concerts, and the use of high-volume headphones. Additional risk factors include conditions like high blood pressure, specific medications, such as certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, and hormone therapies, as well as lifestyle choices involving cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Genetic factors play a role in determining susceptibility to hearing loss. Bogle indicated that there is likely a substantial genetic component, meaning that if one's parents experienced significant hearing loss, they may be more prone to it as well. In other instances, an individual might inherit a gene that elevates their risk for hearing loss, even if no one else in their family has exhibited similar issues. Common indicators of hearing loss related to aging or ear damage include: Struggling to filter out background noise in busy places, making it difficult to hear someone nearby during a conversation. Finding it harder to understand phone calls or recognize higher-pitched voices. Increasing the volume on televisions or radios, even in quiet surroundings. Experiencing a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, which can manifest as buzzing or hissing and vary significantly in intensity. Family members or partners noting a change in hearing ability, often prompting a medical consultation. Perceiving others as mumbling or frequently requesting repetitions, which may stem from a clarity issue rather than volume. Difficulty differentiating between similar-sounding words, which can be mentally exhausting as the brain attempts to interpret unclear speech using contextual cues.