10 Ways To Recognize Hearing Loss
The following questions will help you determine if you need to have your hearing evaluated by a medical professional:
Do you have a problem hearing over the telephone?
Yes
No
Do you have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time?
Yes
No
Do people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?
Yes
No
Do you have to strain to understand conversation?
Yes
No
Do you have trouble hearing in a noisy background?
Yes
No
Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?
Yes
No
Do many people you talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)?
Yes
No
Do you misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately?
Yes
No
Do you have trouble understanding the speech of women and children?
Yes
No
Do people get annoyed because you misunderstand what they say?
Yes
No
If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, you may want to see an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist) or an audiologist for a hearing evaluation.
The information in this article is for general information only and is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. A doctor or other health care professional must be consulted for diagnostic information and advice regarding treatment.
Updated: June 7, 2004
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health
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