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Signs of Hearing Loss

Many people have a difficult time believing, or accepting, that they have a hearing loss. Part of the reason is that hearing loss often occurs gradually, and it's not always easy to notice at first. Often, people discover their hearing loss from the reactions of others.

The following questions may help you decide whether you should have your hearing tested:

• Do you frequently ask for words to be repeated?
  
  
• Do you often turn up the television or radio louder than others like?
  
  
• Does speech sound muffled to you, or do people sound as though they're mumbling when they speak to you?
  
  
• Do you have ringing in your ears?
  
  
• Do you have trouble hearing over the telephone?
  
  
• Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a noisy restaurant or crowded room?
  
  
• Have you had any significant noise exposure at work?
  
  
• Do you find men's voices easier to understand than women's?
  
  
• Does a hearing problem cause you to feel embarrassed when meeting new people?
  
  
• Does a hearing problem cause you to visit friends, relatives, or neighbors less often than you would like?
  
  
• Does a hearing problem cause you to talk to family members less often than you would like?
  
  
• Does a hearing problem cause you to feel depressed?

If you answered yes to any these questions, you may have a hearing problem. Answering yes to several of the questions, suggests that it might be time to have your hearing tested by a hearing care professional.