You might have hearing loss if you:

Socially

• require frequent repetition
• have difficulty following conversations involving more than 2 people
• think that other people sound like they’re mumbling
• have difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like conferences, restaurants, malls, or crowded meeting rooms
• have trouble hearing children and women
• have your TV or radio turned up to a high volume
• answer or respond inappropriately in conversations
• read lips or more intently watch people’s faces when they speak with you

 Emotionally

• feel stressed or nervous from straining to hear and understand what others are saying
• are embarrassed or annoyed at or other people because you can’t hear or understand them
• withdraw from social situation that you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing

Medically

• have ringing in your ears
• have a family history of hearing loss
• take medications that can harm the hearing system (e.g., ototoxic drugs)
• have diabetes, heart, circulation, kidney, or thyroid problems
• have been exposed to very loud sounds over a long period or a single exposure to explosive noise