Warning Signs

Hearing loss usually comes in a gradual manner. Some common signs of hearing loss are pain or ringing in the ears after exposure to loud noise, muffled speech, difficulty understanding speech in crowded areas, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty on the phone or inability to understand women or children. Hearing loss affects the ability of the auditory system and the brain to code and decipher auditory information. As the hearing loss progresses other symptoms may include social isolation and inability to function in common social settings. If you or your loved ones feel you have significant hearing problems it is advisable to see an audiologist or your physician for evaluation.

• People seem to mumble more frequently.
• You experience ringing in your ears.
• You often ask people to repeat themselves.
• Your family complains that you play the radio or TV too loudly.
• You no longer hear normal household sounds, such as the dripping of a faucet or the ringing of a doorbell.
• You have difficulty understanding a conversation when in a large group or crowd.
• You have trouble understanding all the words in a conversation.
• You find telephone conversation increasingly difficult.
• You have trouble hearing when your back is turned to the speaker.
• You have been told you speak too loudly.