Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a problem shared by many people. In fact, it's one of the most common health problems, particularly as people age. Most people aged 65 and older have some hearing loss. By age 80, almost everyone does. Hearing loss often occurs slowly over the years. So, you may not realize your hearing has gotten worse.

When sudden hearing loss occurs, it's important to contact your healthcare provider right away. Your provider will do a medical exam and a hearing exam as soon as possible. This is to help find the cause and type of your sudden hearing loss. Based on your diagnosis, your healthcare provider will discuss possible treatments.

Hearing much better with one ear can be a sign of hearing loss.

Have your hearing checked

Call your healthcare provider if you:

• Have to strain to hear normal conversation

• Have to watch other people’s faces very carefully to follow what they’re saying

• Need to ask people to repeat what they’ve said

• Often misunderstand what people are saying

• Turn the volume of the television or radio up so high that others complain

• Feel that people are mumbling when they’re talking to you

• Find that the effort to hear leaves you feeling tired and irritated

• Notice, when using the phone, that you hear better with one ear than the other