Hearing loss typically happens gradually. Because hearing loss doesn’t usually occur suddenly, you may not even notice it when it happens. The people close to you, like family and friends, may notice it first. Let’s review some of the signs you or those close to you may notice if you are experiencing hearing loss.

Listening to Devices on a High Volume

If you find yourself turning up the volume on all your devices—whether it be the television, your car stereo, or your iPhone—you may be experiencing hearing problems. There’s a difference between turning the volume up because you want to jam out to a song and turning it up because you can’t hear it.

Asking to Repeat Things

If you or a loved one is constantly asking people in conversation to repeat themselves, that’s a surefire sign that they can’t hear what is being said. They are either unable to hear what’s being said, speech sounds unclear, or they cannot decipher the conversation from background noise.

Trouble Keeping Up with a Conversation

If a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, they may not be able to keep up with a conversation. They may make inappropriate comments that don’t match with the flow of the conversation or their responses may be delayed.

Agitation

If you notice unprompted agitation in yourself or a loved one after conversations, they may be struggling with their hearing. They may become withdrawn or isolate themselves because they have trouble hearing and keeping up with conversations.

Hearing Loss in Children

The signs of hearing loss in children and babies are slightly different than what you’d see in an adult. Children may speak loudly or unclearly, they may not respond when you call them, and they may learn to talk later than other children their age. Like adults, they may listen to devices at a high volume or ask people to repeat themselves in conversation. Babies, on the other hand, may also fail to respond to their name being called. They may not react to loud sounds and their speech may be delayed.

If you are only experiencing this hearing loss in one ear, you may have impacted ear wax or you could be experiencing an ear infection. It’s best to speak to a professional to find out what’s going on and schedule a hearing test.