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Hearing loss is common in seniors, but its warning signs are hard to notice. It can sneak up on you gradually, slowly stealing your hearing until you’re straining to understand a conversation. Fortunately, early hearing loss symptoms are often very present if you know what to look for.
Getting Legal Help for Medication-Induced Hearing Loss
The most common reasons for hearing loss, such as aging, loud noises, and heredity, are typically caused by behaviors or unavoidable situations. However, some medications, such as gentamicin, sildenafil, chemotherapy drugs, and Tepezza, can severely damage the inner ear.
You can receive legal help for medication-induced hearing loss. In fact, there’s already a class action Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit in the works. If you want to discuss an individual Tepezza lawsuit with an attorney, contact Dolman Law Group if you live in the Pennsylvania area.
4 Early Signs of Progressive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss symptoms depend on the type and severity, but the following symptoms often appear in most patients. Know that only a qualified health professional can tell you for sure.
1. Consonant Sounds are Difficult to Hear
Age-related hearing loss either starts with the loss of high-frequency sounds or tinnitus. In English, S, P, F, V, K, Th, and Sh sounds, or consonant sounds, are hard to hear when you start losing your hearing. This may make you misunderstand entire or parts of a conversation.
2. You Have Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is the second obvious symptom of hearing loss. This ringing occurs because your brain is trying to make up for the noises it can’t hear and thus interprets them as high-pitched, static noise. It’s one of the most common health conditions in the US.
3. High-Frequency Noises Disappear
Can you hear birds chirping, crickets singing, or your car’s turn signal? Being able to hear drastically improves your quality of life, as you miss a few things without it. High-frequency noises become difficult to hear as you age, so pay attention if your noises suddenly disappear.
4. Distinguishing Speech is a Challenge
If you’re in a noisy environment and can’t distinguish speech, your hearing may be affected. You may find yourself straining to list, which can become exhausting. When your auditory system is compromised, it takes more effort for your brain to process new sounds.
How to Treat Progressive Hearing Loss
Once you’re already noticing signs of hearing loss, there isn’t anything you can do to improve it (unless your problems are caused by excess wax). But, you can treat it by doing the following.
Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants
Hearing aids can be worn behind your ear, and cochlear implants are inserted into your inner ear. Both tools allow people with severe hearing loss to hear better. They must be programmed to match your hearing loss type and help the brain recognize signals.
Assistive Listening/Hearing Devices
There are multiple assistive listening devices available for public use. These are separated into four groups: amplified telephones, personal amplifiers, notification systems, and TV streamers. These assisted hearing devices can help people with hearing loss live a high-quality life.
Protective Equipment and Cleaning
Sometimes, your hearing issues may be caused by your work environment. If that’s the case, use protective ear equipment to see if you notice improvements. Some patients may have an impacted canal due to earwax, which can be quickly fixed by getting it flushed out at the doctor.
If you’re experiencing a sudden loss of hearing, you could be experiencing an infection, stroke, or other health condition. Call an ambulance immediately, so you can receive prompt treatment.
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