We're Hearing Specialists. Here Are 10 Signs Of Hearing Loss We'd Never Ignore.

Ear health experts break down the potential red flags of a serious issue.

Hearing loss might be a typical part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore how your ability to hear changes over time ― especially as this kind of decline may manifest in unexpected ways.

“Untreated hearing loss doesn’t just impact your ability to hear ― it affects how your brain processes sound, your ability to communicate clearly, and even your relationships and mental health,” Leslie Soiles, the chief audiologist for HearingLife, told HuffPost. “Over time, straining to hear can lead to listening fatigue, social withdrawal and a decline in cognitive function. In fact, research has linked untreated hearing loss to an increased risk of dementia and depression.”

Although it’s tempting to dismiss or adapt to changes over time, you’ll want to pay attention to early signs of hearing loss and seek professional help for earlier intervention. Plus, hearing loss can sometimes indicate more serious and even potentially life-threatening conditions.

“The sooner we identify hearing loss, the more effective treatment can be, whether that’s through hearing aids, lifestyle adjustments or other solutions tailored to your needs,” Soiles said. “My goal is to help people stay connected, confident and engaged in the world around them. And it all starts with not ignoring that very first clue.”

So what might that crucial first clue look like? Below, Soiles and other experts break down the early signs of hearing loss they wouldn’t ignore.