Here are 9 signs of hearing loss

ORLANDO, Fla. — May is Better Hearing Month.

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Dr. Kristen Weinbaum encourages Central Florida residents to get their hearing checked.

She said people should check it before their hearing loss gets worse.

“Subtle changes in hearing may not be immediately noticeable but can make a big difference in quality of life,” Weinbaum said. “Audiologists can check your hearing and make recommendations for improving hearing health and function and can offer tips for protecting your hearing to make sure it can serve you well for a lifetime.”

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Here are ten signs of hearing loss, according to Weinbaum:

1. All you hear is mumbling: This is one of the early-stage signs. People seem to be talking, but it is hard to distinguish the words.

2. Ringing in the ears: This is called tinnitus, affecting about 1 in 5 people.

3. Asking people to repeat themselves is one of the most common symptoms.

4. Your family complains about you playing the radio, music, or TV too loudly.

5. You have trouble hearing household sounds: You cannot hear things you used to, such as the ringing of your doorbell or the alarm clock.

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6. Telephone conversations are becoming difficult: On a phone call, you constantly ask people to speak louder or put your phone on speaker.

7. Noisy environments are no longer your favorites: You have trouble hearing in places such as bars or busy restaurants; blocking background noise seems difficult.

8. People around you notice changes in your hearing: Your loved ones have pointed out that you may not be hearing well.

9. You seem to speak ‘too loudly’: Some people talk loudly naturally or as part of their personalities. But if you’re not aware of your loud voice, it may be because you lost the ability to hear yourself, which makes it difficult to control your voice tone.

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Sometimes hearing loss could be for something as simple as ear wax. In that case, it is reversible.

But, if hearing loss comes from aging or certain illnesses, hearing aids are the best option.

If you are experiencing these signs constantly or in combination, don’t ignore them.

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