Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is an issue that most people don’t know they’re experiencing it until too late — and even then, they may assume that it’s a temporary problem.

Helping Your Loved Ones

If no single significant event occurred that may have caused a sudden change in hearing ability, it’s typically a slow decline.

These are among the most common signs that someone you know might have a hearing loss:

• Asking people to repeat themselves often
• Difficulty following conversations that involve more than two people
• Thinking that others are mumbling or speaking quietly
• Difficulty hearing speech in noisy situations
• People commenting about how loud your TV or radio is
• Inappropriate responses during conversation
• Stress from straining to hear what others are saying
• Withdrawing from enjoyable social situations more often
• Family history of hearing loss
• Taking medications that can harm the hearing system
• Diabetes, heart, circulation, or thyroid problems
• History of exposure to loud sounds at work or leisure