How do you know if you have hearing loss?

Hearing problems rarely cause discomfort or pain, and because hearing loss is a gradual process, it is common to adapt to hearing loss without realizing it.
 

How can I recognize hearing problems?

If you think you have hearing loss, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have difficulty following conversations with more than two people?

Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?

Do I have difficulty hearing what is being said unless I am close to a speaker?

Do I have difficulty listening in crowded places such as restaurants, shopping 

malls, and meeting rooms?
Do I have difficulty hearing women or children?

Do I prefer to turn the volume of the television or radio up higher than other people?

Do I have ringing or buzzing in my ears?
Do I think that other people are 

whispering or mumbling while they are talking?

If you answered yes to many of these questions, you may have hearing loss.

The symptoms of hearing loss fall into three main categories: social, emotional and medical.

Social symptoms

How often do you or a member of your family…
Ask yourself to repeat what is being said in order to understand the speech.
Do you find it difficult to follow conversations with more than two people?

Do you feel that other people's voices are muffled?

Do you have trouble hearing in loud situations?

Do you find it difficult to hear the voices of children and women?

Do you turn up the volume on the TV or radio?
Do you react or react inappropriately 

during conversations?
Do you hear a ringing in your/their ears?

Read lips or rely on other people's facial expressions during conversations?

Emotional symptoms

How often…

Do you feel stressed and stressed when 

trying to hear what others are saying?
Do you feel annoyed by people because 

you can't hear or understand them?
Are you embarrassed meeting new 

people because you might misunderstand what they're saying?

Do you feel stressed when trying to listen or understand?

Do you avoid social situations you used to 

enjoy because of hearing problems?
Medical symptoms
Are you...

Is there a history of hearing loss in your family?

Are you taking any medications that can affect hearing loss?
Do you have diabetes, heart disease, circulatory problems, or thyroid problems?
Are you...
Have you been exposed to very loud noises for a long time?
Have you ever been exposed to a loud explosion?
The average time from the onset of hearing loss to seeking help is five to seven years. Don't wait to ask for help.