Signs of hearing loss

Do you need to turn the TV up a little louder these days? Is it getting harder to hear what people are saying to you in crowded rooms with lots of background noise? Are you having difficulty hearing the phone ring? Do you often miss calls? You might be experiencing hearing loss.

Ask yourself the below questions to find out whether you may have hearing loss.

• I get annoyed when people mumble?
• I ask people to repeat themselves, even when it’s quiet?
• I have difficulty hearing in restaurants when there is a lot of background noise?
• I find it difficult to work out what direction sound is coming from?
• I find it harder to hear female or children’s voices?
• I find it difficult to hear from a distance in quieter environments?
• I get stressed from straining to understand what people are saying?
• I need the TV up louder?
• I seem to be shouting a lot?
• I need to lean in when I am talking to somebody?
• I have a family history of hearing loss?
• I have a history of exposure to loud noise?
• I have a medical condition like diabetes, heart, circulation, or thyroid problems?
• I have a constant ringing in my ears?
• i take medication that can harm my hearing? (ototoxic drugs).

If you answer yes to at least two of these questions, you might have hearing loss. It’s okay. You’re not alone. Help is available. It takes an average of seven years for someone with hearing difficulties to seek help.