What are some common signs of hearing loss?
You struggle to understand conversations in groups or in the presence of background noise. You frequently misunderstand parts of conversation or need to ask people to repeat them selves. You believe that “everybody mumbles” or “people don’t speak as clearly as they used to.” Friends and family have complained that the level at which you listen to the television or radio is too loud. You find you can’t hear as well if you can’t watch people’s faces or if people try to talk to you from another room. You become anxious, irritable, or exhausted from the effort to hear.
If you or someone you love is experiencing some of the following symptoms, contact your family doctor or hearing health care professional and have your hearing tested. • It sounds to you as though people are mumbling or speaking more softly than they used to. • You are turning up the volume on the TV or radio above the level where others typically listen. • You can hear people talk, but you have difficulty understanding the words. • You frequently ask people to repeat themselves. • You can’t always hear the doorbell or telephone clearly. • Family, colleagues and friends suggest you might have a hearing problem. • It has become difficult to understand a speaker at a business meeting or service. • It is especially difficult to hear women or children speak. • You often hear a ringing or buzzing in your ears. • You might notice a slight muffling of sound after noise exposure. • It can be difficult to hear or understand people when you leave a noisy area.
