Do I have hearing loss?

The signs of hearing loss can be subtle and emerge slowly, or they can be significant and come on suddenly. Either way there are common indications. You should suspect hearing loss if you experience any of the signs below.

You might have hearing loss if you . . .

Socially:

• require frequent repetition.
• have difficulty following conversations involving more than 2 people.
• think that other people sound muffled or like they’re mumbling.
• have difficulty hearing in noisy situations and background noise.
• have trouble hearing children and women.
• have your TV or radio turned up to a high volume.
• answer or respond inappropriately in conversations.
• have ringing in your ears.
• read lips or intently watch people’s faces when they speak with you.
  
  

Emotionally:

• feel stressed out from straining to hear what others are saying.
  feel annoyed at other people because you can’t understand them.
• feel embarrassed by misunderstanding what others are saying.
• feel nervous about trying to hear and understand.
• withdraw from social situations because you can’t hear people.