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.

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.

A feeling of fullness in one or both ears

“I would not ignore a feeling of fullness in one or both ears, particularly if it comes with feelings of dizziness or imbalance,” said Bria Collins, the associate director of audiology practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

She explained that ear fullness and dizziness might be signs of underlying conditions affecting the inner ear, such as fluid buildup, infections or balance disorders.

“These symptoms can impact balance, hearing and overall quality of life, and in some cases, may indicate more serious issues such as neurological conditions,” Collins said. “Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional allows for accurate diagnosis and early treatment.”

An increasing need to ask others to repeat themselves

“One sign I would never ignore is the increasing need to ask others to repeat themselves, especially if it’s happening regularly in conversations with family, friends or coworkers,” Soiles said. “This often starts subtly and slowly.”

Pay attention if you find yourself saying things like, “What?” and, “Can you repeat that?” more frequently and getting the sense that people aren’t speaking clearly.

“Everyone can........

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