Signs of Hearing Loss

Source: The Better Hearing Institute, Patricia E. Connelly, PhD, CCC-A, FAAA, New Jersey Medical School

Hearing loss can evolve slowly or come on suddenly, the signs can be subtle or obvious, and the causes can vary, from aging to workplace noise to an underlying medical condition. If you're experiencing any of the following signs, please contact a member of the Arizona Audiology Network.

In social situations you:

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, for ex., conferences, meetings, parties, restaurants.

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 more intently watch people's faces when they speak with you.

Emotionally, you feel:

Stressed out from straining to hear what others are saying.

Annoyed at other people because you can't hear or understand them.

Embarrassed to meet new people or from misunderstanding what others are saying.

Nervous about trying to hear and understand.

Like withdrawing from social situations that you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing.

Your personal history includes:

A  family history of hearing loss.

Medications that can harm the hearing system (ototoxic drugs).

Diabetes, heart, circulation or thyroid problems.

Exposure to very loud sounds over a long period or single exposure to explosive noise.