Should you see a hearing care professional?

Answer the following questions for a quick assessment of your hearing:

• Do you ask others to repeat themselves often, or do people seem to frequently mumble?

• Do you have troubling understanding conversations (even though you may hear them), particularly when there is background noise?

• Do you pretend to understand, and then respond inappropriately?

• Do you find yourself avoiding groups or strangers or withdrawing from social activities because it is too difficult to hear?

• Do you turn up the radio or TV louder than others prefer?

• Do you find telephone conversations increasingly difficult?

• Do you turn one ear toward a speaker to help you hear?

• Do others comment that you speak loudly?

• Has a family member or friend ever commented that you don’t hear well?

• Do you find yourself frequently denying you have a hearing problem?

A positive response to one of these questions does not necessarily indicate a hearing problem. However, if you answered “yes” to several, you may have hearing loss. The best way to find out is to have your hearing checked by a hearing healthcare professional.