Hearing loss: These are the first signs

Why you should have the first signs of hearing loss checked by a doctor

Hearing loss often begins gradually. Together with the reduced perception of different pitches and volumes, other complaints can also arise.

A disease of the inner ear is often accompanied by balance disorders or dizziness, as the organ of balance is located in the inner ear. Tinnitus, i.e. a long-lasting or repeated ringing in the ear, can also be a side effect of a hearing disorder. There are also a number of signs in everyday life that can be an indication of hearing loss.

Signs of hearing problems:

Great exhaustion after being in noisy environments (e.g. events with many people)
Overhearing natural sounds such as rustling leaves and birdsong
Overhearing household noises
Overhearing the telephone or doorbell
Multiple inquiries necessary during conversations
Feeling that the person you are talking to is mumbling
Problems understanding conversations in a larger group
High level of concentration required for conversations in noisy environments (e.g. in a restaurant)
The volume of the TV or radio must be adjusted repeatedly
Children or women are less well understood
Background noises such as road noise appear particularly loud
It is sometimes difficult to determine the direction from which a sound is coming

Symptoms of hearing loss in children:

Frequent inattention and distraction
Does not respond to speech or other noises
Shows no interest in sounds or does not react curiously to them
Delayed speech development - children may stop experimenting with sounds or not get beyond slurred speech and babbling
Difficulties with learning or concentration
Recurrent ear infections that cause severe pain
Child does not wake up to loud noises or noise

If you or your child have one or more of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for clarification.