Your ears help you hear and experience the world around you. Keep them healthy by scheduling a yearly hearing exam and visiting your provider if something isn’t right. Here are five signs of hearing loss that you shouldn’t ignore. 

1. It’s hard to hear in noisy places

As you get older, your ability to hear when there is background noise may get worse. And this can make it hard to understand what others are saying in places like restaurants or larger get-togethers. If you find yourself constantly asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to hear in crowded spaces, it may be time to get your hearing checked.

2. You raise the volume of the TV or radio

As your hearing gets worse, you may need louder sounds to hear more clearly. If your family or friends are complaining about the volume being too loud, talk to your provider about your hearing.

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3. You have ringing in your ears

This is known as tinnitus. This is a condition that causes you to hear ringing or sounds that aren’t there. This may include whistling and buzzing.

4. You have muffled hearing 

You might start missing a few words. Or you might have trouble understanding people on the phone. This is because hearing loss often affects certain sounds more than others, making them harder to hear. If you are experiencing muffled or unclear hearing, let your provider know.

5. You feel lonely

You may start to avoid social situations because it is hard to hear and talk. This can make you feel alone, which can hurt your overall health.

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How to handle signs of hearing loss 

Do you experience some of the signs above? Don’t worry. But do talk to a health care professional right away. They can do a hearing test and find out what’s wrong with your hearing. In some cases, the cause may be temporary. This may mean earwax buildup or an ear infection. 

If the hearing loss is more serious, they may recommend hearing aids or other treatment options. If your provider recommends hearing aids, you’ll likely have follow-up appointments to make sure they are working correctly or to see if they need any adjustments. 

Make sure to see an in-network audiologist for your hearing exam to ensure coverage. Visit AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider to find an in-network provider.

It’s important to spot the early signs of hearing loss and take action. By staying on top of your health care, you can help lower your risk of hearing loss and treat any problems.

^*FOR HEARING LOSS: World Health Organization. "The World Health Organization (WHO) Estimates That Over 466 Million People Worldwide Suffer from Disabling Hearing Loss." Accessed May 12, 2025.

^*FOR TINNITUS: American Tinnitus Association. "Understanding the Facts." Accessed May 12, 2025.

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