Our planet is louder than ever, with noise levels steadily increasing throughout recorded history. This growing cacophony has contributed to a concerning rise in hearing loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2050, 1 in 4 people will experience some degree of hearing loss, underscoring the ongoing rise. While hearing loss is irreversible and incurable, it’s often preventable if caught early. Here are five early signs to watch for so you can protect your hearing before it’s too late:
5 Early Signs of Hearing Loss
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Naman Bajaj
3.27.25
- Phone calls are hard to understand: If phone calls start sounding like they're being delivered through a tunnel, it might be more than just bad reception. Struggling to catch every word could be an early clue that your hearing’s not keeping up with your conversations.
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves: Constantly asking, “Sorry, what?” during chats? Your hearing could be trying to tell you something. If you're always playing catch-up in conversations, it's time to pay attention.
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus): That annoying ringing in your ears after a concert or loud event? If it doesn’t go away, it's called tinnitus, and it’s a little red flag from your ears. It’s like your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I need a break from the noise.”
- Turning up the volume on devices: If you’ve turned your TV’s volume up so high that even your neighbors can hear it, it might not just be your love for high-action scenes at work. You could be cranking up the sound because your hearing is starting to take a backseat.
- You're watching people's lips instead of making eye contact: If you find yourself staring at people’s lips, it’s probably because you're missing some key details in conversation. When lip-reading becomes your new superpower, it’s time to check your hearing.
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In a world that’s louder than ever, protecting your hearing has never been more important. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. GOB’s noise-canceling earplugs offer a simple yet effective way to shield your ears from everything — be it city noise, construction sites, concerts, or a neighbor’s crying baby. Keep your hearing safe, no matter what life throws your way.