• Get a hearing test from a professional (audiologist or ENT specialist).
• Avoid further damage by using ear protection in loud environments.
• Consider hearing aids or other assistive devices if necessary.

Yes, tinnitus is often an early warning sign of hearing damage, especially if caused by noise exposure or aging.

• Delayed speech development
• Not responding to their name or loud sounds
• Turning one ear toward sound sources
• Difficulty following verbal instructions

• Aging (presbycusis)
• Exposure to loud noises (noise-induced hearing loss)
• Ear infections or fluid buildup
• Certain medications (ototoxic drugs)
• Genetic factors
• Head injuries

Yes, hearing loss often develops slowly over time, making it hard to notice at first. People may unconsciously adapt by reading lips, relying on context, or avoiding conversations.

• Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy
  environments.
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
• Turning up the volume on the TV or radio higher than others prefer.
• Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, like children's voices or birds
  chirping.
• Feeling like people are mumbling when they speak.