Should I go to the doc? Reply ASAP

[MadiBogden]

I've always had a hard time hearing things but never really thought about it. I have a hard time hearing someone talk to me when there is background noise, and I always have trouble hearing my friends even though they're right next to me. It sounds like they're mumbling. People always notice it too. I turn the tv all the way up to 40 because I can't hear it at 20 which is weird because most people turn it to 20 and that's loud. I also get yelled at for talking to loud.  I don't believe I'm talking loud but I apparently I do. And at night when I'm lying in bed I hear a clock ticking. We don't have a clock anywhere in the house! PLEASE HELP IMMEDIANTLY

[ErikaBeil]

The best thing that you can do, is to go to an audiologist and get a hearing test done. Explain all your symptoms to the doctor, I hope the best for you!

[Chana Lerner, AuD]

The difficulties you describe all point to hearing loss. You should visit an audiologist for a hearing test. If hearing aids are recommended, they can improve your quality of life tremendously. Do this right away, to help yourself, and all those around you. As far as your symptom of "clock ticking", that is tinnitus, a common symptom of hearing loss. Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head where no external source is present. You perceive the clock during bedtime because it's quiet. Try sleeping with a noise machine, fan, humidifier, or air purifier; to mask (block out) the tinnitus.