Audiology
Hearing
Symptoms of Noise-Related Hearing Loss
Repeated exposure to loud noise is one of the most frequent causes of permanent hearing loss. It can sneak up on you, usually developing slowly and without pain or other symptoms. And you may not even notice that you have a hearing loss until it is severe. Symptoms may include:
- Muffled hearing
- Difficulty understanding what is being said, especially when there are competing voices or background noise. (You may be able to hear someone speaking, but you cannot distinguish the specific words.)
- Listening to the television or radio at higher volume than in the past
- Avoiding conversation and social interaction as hearing becomes more difficult. This may also contribute to (or be mistaken for) depression, especially when it occurs in older people
- Ringing, roaring, hissing, or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus). Tinnitus is a symptom typical of many types of hearing loss