Many people assume hearing loss happens gradually and is simply part of getting older. But one of the earliest signs may be something unexpected: a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that no one else can hear.
Susan Bianco, 87, of Lancaster, first realized her hearing was changing when conversations became more difficult.
She often found herself asking her husband to repeat what he said. Phone calls became challenging, and noisy social settings were especially frustrating.
"It's very hard to hear in a crowd," she said. "I can't understand what one person is saying if other people are talking."
Later, she began noticing another symptom. A buzzing noise in her ears would appear and become more noticeable whenever she felt tired.
