Detecting Hearing Loss

Maybe you already know you or a family member is dealing with hearing loss. Then again, it may be happening so gradually you’re not sure. Unlike many conditions, hearing loss is often hard to detect in its early stages.

The kind of signs to look for may differ based on your perspective—that is, whether you’re checking for yourself or a loved one.

I May Have a Hearing Loss

Please answer YES or NO to the following questions:

Yes No
Do you avoid talking on the telephone because you frequently miss parts of the conversation?
Do you have trouble hearing someone speaking to you from across the room?
Do others comment on how loud you turn up the volume on the TV or the car radio?
Do you often sit up front in church or a meeting so that you can hear well?
Do you frequently have trouble hearing people with soft voices?
Are there group activities that you used to enjoy but do not take part in anymore?
Do friends or family members often comment on your ability to hear?
Do you find yourself wondering why everyone seems to mumble when they speak to you now?
Do you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat what they have just said to you?
Do you have trouble following topic changes in a group of three or more people?

If you’ve answered YES to 2 of these questions, a hearing loss may be suspected.

If you’ve answered YES to 3 or more of the above questions, a complete hearing evaluation by a hearing care professional is recommended.

A Loved One May Have a Hearing Loss

Please answer YES or NO to the following questions:

Yes No
Does your loved one get irritable when they miss part of the conversation?
Do they frequently ask you to repeat what you or someone else just said?
Do they say they can hear fine, but sometimes not understand?
Do they frequently complain about people who mumble?
Do they ignore the telephone when it rings or hand it to you instead of talking to the caller themselves?
Is it difficult to carry on conversations in the car with your loved one?
Do you frequently miss favorite group activities because they no longer enjoy them?
Is the TV or radio always turned up louder than you would like it to be?
Does your loved one hide out when unexpected visitors stop by for a chat?
Do you find yourself recapping the “specials” or doing more of the ordering at your favorite restaurants?

If you’ve answered YES to 2 of these questions, a hearing loss may be suspected.

If you’ve answered YES to 3 or more of the above questions, a complete hearing evaluation by a hearing care professional is recommended.