Signs of Hearing Loss

A clear sign of hearing loss is the inability to hear well. However, hearing loss can be more subtle. Often family members and friends recognize hearing problems before the hearing-impaired person. Many people in the early stages of hearing loss of this sort will find themselves:

• Asking people to repeat themselves more frequently
• Answering questions with incorrect answers because they have misheard a conversation or question
• Going out less and socializing less
• Turning up the volume on TV or radio to levels uncomfortable to others
• Many other symptoms can appear that may be related to hearing loss:
  • Increased levels of irritability and frustration are common
  • Hearing, but not understanding what was said, especially when there is background noise.
  • Feelings of ear fullness or pressure, ear noises (ringing, buzzing, crickets, seashells, steam, and others), and dizziness