Frequently Asking People To Repeat Themselves? ENT Expert Explains Possible Hearing Issues
Frequent requests for repetition may indicate underlying hearing difficulties.
Repeatedly saying “huh?” during conversations, struggling to understand speech in noisy surroundings or noticing muffled sounds could indicate an underlying hearing difficulty, according to ENT specialist Dr Animesh Banerjee of Even Healthcare, Bengaluru. He noted that some young patients who believe their hearing is normal still experience difficulty following conversations in crowded places, misunderstand people during calls or notice ringing in their ears after prolonged exposure to sound.
According to Dr Banerjee, prolonged listening through earphones at high volumes is a common habit among young people that can place excessive stress on the hearing system. He said sound levels around 80 decibels are generally considered comfortable for extended exposure, while earphones at maximum volume can reach substantially higher levels. The combination of loud sound and prolonged listening can increase the risk of hearing damage.
The specialist explained that the cochlea, a structure inside the inner ear, contains microscopic hair cells that help convert sound into signals understood by the brain. Sustained exposure to loud sounds can damage these delicate cells, and the doctor warned that such damage can be permanent. This is why repeated exposure to very loud music should not be treated simply as a harmless listening habit.
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Noise-cancelling earphones can reduce surrounding sounds, but Dr Banerjee cautioned that users may respond by increasing the volume or listening for longer periods. He also pointed to difficulties some young adults experience when trying to distinguish speech from background noise despite performing well on standard hearing tests. Such difficulties may not always be detected through routine tone-based hearing assessments.
The specialist recommended following the “60:60” approach when listening to music through earphones. This means keeping the volume at no more than 60 per cent of the device’s maximum level and limiting listening sessions to about 60 minutes at a time. Taking breaks between listening sessions can also help reduce prolonged exposure to loud sound.
Dr Banerjee urged people not to dismiss symptoms such as persistent ringing in the ears or muffled hearing as minor inconveniences. Such changes can serve as warning signs that warrant attention, particularly when they occur repeatedly after listening to loud music. Early evaluation can help identify hearing difficulties and encourage safer listening habits before problems become more serious.
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