Hearing loss can progress so gradually, you might not realize you’re experiencing it. Heed these early warning signs so that you can get the treatment you need to stay connected and engaged in your life:
Words seem muffled, especially in noisy places such as restaurants.
You strain to hear conversations and grow tired of asking people to repeat themselves.
You have trouble understanding words on TV, except at high volume.
You have trouble hearing over the telephone.
You can find many “self-tests_ online to assess hearing loss. But research suggest it may be sufficient to ask yourself the simple question, “Do I have trouble hearing?” If the answer is yes, it’s worth seeing a doctor. There are also 12 questions you can answer that help gauge the extent to which hearing problems are causing you difficulty and frustration. Find them at ComsumerReports.org/cro/12questions
What not to use: Screening tests done over the phone or online that ask whether you can hear specific tones. Our experts say they may not be accurate and might have no control for background noise.
Source: Consumer Reports on Health March 2014
