Hearing Loss

You may have hearing loss, and not even be aware of it. People of all ages experience gradual hearing loss, often due to the natural aging process or long exposure to loud noise. Other causes of hearing loss include viruses or bacteria, heart conditions or stroke, head injuries, tumors, and certain medications. Treatment for hearing loss will depend on your diagnosis.

How Does the Hearing Sense Work?
The aural or hearing-sense is a complex and intricate process. The ear is made up of three sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. These parts work together so you can hear and process sounds.

Test Your Hearing
Answer the following questions then calculate your score. To calculate your score, give yourself 3 points for every "Almost always" answer, 2 points for every "Half the time" answer, 1 point for every "Occasionally" answer, and 0 for every "Never".
 Please note: If hearing loss runs in your family, add an additional 3 points to your overall score.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery recommends the following:
0-5 points - Your hearing is fine. No action is required.
6-9 points - Suggest you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
10+ points - Strongly recommend you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

I have a problem hearing over the telephone.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

People complain that I turn the TV volume too high.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I have to strain to understand conversations.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I miss hearing some common sounds like the phone or doorbell ring.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background, such as a party.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I get confused about where sounds come from.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I especially have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I have worked in noisy environments (such as assembly lines, construction sites).

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

Many people I talk to seem to mumble, or don't speak clearly.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I will make improper replies.

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

Do family members think you have a hearing problem?

• Almost always
• Half the time
• Occasionally
• Never

What Can I Do to Improve My Hearing?

• Eliminate or lower unnecessary noises around you.
• Let friends and family know and ask them to speak slowly and more clearly.
• Ask people to face you when they are speaking to you.
• Utilize sound amplifying devices on phones.