1. Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
Tinnitus is one of the earliest signs of hearing damage. It is described as a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can range from a low, almost imperceptible buzzing sound to a loud, annoying noise. It is often caused by exposure to loud noises, such as a concert or a loud work environment.
2. Difficulty Hearing Soft Sounds
Another early sign of hearing damage is difficulty hearing soft sounds. This can include difficulty hearing conversations in loud environments, or difficulty hearing people speaking in a whisper. If you find yourself straining to hear what people are saying, or having to ask people to repeat themselves often, it could be a sign that your hearing has been damaged.
3. Muffled Sounds
The third early sign of hearing damage is muffled sounds. This can range from difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, to a feeling of your ears being blocked and muffled sounds. This is often caused by fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can be caused by an infection, allergies, or earwax buildup.