How can I assess the severity of my hearing loss?

Circle the number of points next to the answer that best describes your hearing.

1. I have a problem hearing over the telephone.

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

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

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

3. People complain that I turn the television volume up too high.

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

4. I have to strain to understand conversations.

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

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

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

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

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

7. I get confused about where sounds come from.

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

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

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

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

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

10. I have worked in noisy environments (assembly line, construction site, airport runway, etc.).

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

11. Many people I talk to seem to mumble (or don't speak clearly).

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

12. People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

13. I misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately.

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

14. I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I'll reply improperly.

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

To be answered by a family member or friend:

1. Do you think this person has hearing loss?

Almost always (3)
Half of the time (2)
Occasionally (1)
Never (0)

Scoring

Add your total points. A score below 6 indicates no problem with your hearing. A score of 6 to 9 indicates that a hearing check-up is advisable. A score of 10 or above indicates that a visit to a medical hearing professional is strongly advised.