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Hearing loss is a problem that many people suffer from, but they don’t actually know it until they visit an audiologist for a hearing test. This is because hearing loss is so gradual that we might not even feel it. However, there are a couple of obvious signs that will tell you that you need your hearing checked. Whether difficult hearing the television or asking people to repeat themselves, consider the top four signs people may be suffering from hearing loss.

1. You’re always asking people to repeat themselves

This is one of the clearer signs that you’re suffering from hearing loss. Unless you always work in busy and noisy environments where talking is difficult, one of the common signs of hearing loss is that you have to frequently ask people to repeat themselves. At first, it might seem like a minor inconvenience, but eventually, you could find yourself receiving comments about your hearing.

2. You’ve been turning up the volume too much

If people have been telling you that you’re turning up the volume too much on the television or with your music, then it might be an early sign that your hearing is starting to degrade. Everyone has their preferred audio level when it comes to entertainment, but it’s a common sign of hearing loss when people around you comment on the volume that you’re setting it to.

3. Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)

If you experience a ringing, buzzing or even screeching noise in your ear, especially after you’ve been exposed to a loud noise, then it’s an early warning sign of hearing loss. If the ringing doesn't disappear for a long time, then it may be an early sign of tinnitus. Around 40 to 50 percent of seniors with hearing loss also experience tinnitus, and they’re both closely related when it comes to similar symptoms.

4. Difficulty differentiating noises

If you find it hard to make out what people are saying when surrounded by noises, then you might be suffering from hearing loss already. For instance, if you find it difficult to hear your friends when you’re out eating at a restaurant and have to ask them to repeat themselves often or get even closer to hear, then it could be an early warning sign of tinnitus. If left unchecked, this can eventually lead to isolation from your friends and family because you’re too ashamed about your hearing ability.

A hearing test shouldn’t be a scary appointment. While it can be emotional to discover that you’ve been living with hearing loss for a long time, it’s always a good idea to work on coping with it now rather than suffering an accident due to it. A trained audiologist will handle your hearing test professionally and will ensure that you get all the advice and assistance you need to understand your condition and the severity of your hearing loss.