Do I Have Hearing Loss?

Are you over 65?

Do the speech and other sounds seem muffled to you?

Do you have the feeling of fullness or “stuffy” sensation in the ear?

Do you hear ringing, roaring, or hissing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)?

Do you have dizziness?

Do you feel pain or tenderness in the ear or you have a discharge from your ear?

While talking to someone, is it hard for you to catch every word when there is background noise (such as in a restaurant) or when people are talking at the same time?

Do you often need to ask people to repeat themselves during conversations in person and on the phone?

Do you often think that the people are mumbling or not speaking clearly, so you cannot follow the conversation?

Do you have trouble hearing doorbell, telephone, alarm clock, birds, children or women (high-pitched sounds)?

Do you get complaints that the TV is too loud?

Have you noticed that you cannot hear when other people are speaking, unless they are extremely loud?

Do you feel tired or stressed from concentrating as you listen to people speak?

Has anyone told you (a family member or a friend) that you have difficulty hearing and communicating with them?

Do you have a family history of hearing loss?

Do you work in a noisy environment, or are you engage in noisy activities or hobbies?

Have you ever had a head trauma (especially skull fracture) or punctured eardrum, or you suffer from heart disease or diabetes?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have hearing loss. Hearing loss means that you are partially or completely unable to hear sound. It is perfectly normal that sometimes you have trouble to understand someone or hear in challenging environments. Even if you have recognized one or two of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that your hearing is affected. Hearing loss can hugely affect the quality of your life and relationships. It is the third most common health problem in the U.S. Prevention is the best way to go, so please have your hearing examined by your doctor during your regular checkup.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have hearing loss. Hearing loss means that you are unable to hear sounds on one or both of your ears. Hearing loss can be partial or complete and can be caused by various factors such as damage to the inner ear, gradual buildup of earwax, ear infection or ruptured eardrum. Hearing loss can range from mild to severe and usually occurs gradually over time. If you frequently recognize more than a few hearing loss symptoms, it is important for you to contact your doctor and do a baseline hearing test.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have hearing loss. Hearing loss or impaired hearing means that you are unable to hear sound on one or both of your ears, partially or completely. Aging, illnesses, genetics, and chronic exposure to loud noises may play a role in hearing loss. Many people lose their hearing gradually, so they do not notice it at first. Early detection of hearing loss is extremely important. Most types of hearing loss cannot be reversed but your doctor or an ENT specialist can take steps to improve your hearing. Treatment includes medication, surgery and use of a hearing aid.