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For most people, hearing loss happens over time. The symptoms can be hard to notice. Quite often, family members and friends notice hearing loss before the person experiencing it.
Your doctor may not always screen for hearing loss during a physical exam. Even if your doctor does check for hearing loss, you may still "pass" the screening test in a quiet exam room. Common signs of hearing loss include:
- frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- trouble following conversations that involve more than two people
- thinking that others are mumbling
- problems hearing in noisy places such as busy restaurants
- trouble hearing the voices of women and small children
- turning up the TV or radio volume too loud for others who are nearby
Symptoms of hearing loss may include:
- continually turning up the volume on your TV
- have difficulty hearing conversations
The symptoms of hearing loss can vary, depending on the cause of the hearing loss and the emotional nature of the individual. Some people with hearing loss have difficulty following conversations in a group or have trouble hearing high-pitched voices such as young children or a woman speaking. Repeatedly turning up the volume on the radio or television may be another symptom of hearing loss. Also, if you find that you’re watching people’s faces instead of listening to their voices, you may have hearing loss. Hearing loss has emotional symptoms, too. For example, you may have been a highly social individual and then you suddenly avoid large groups or gatherings because you cannot hear what’s being said. Or, you may feel agitated with family members because you cannot hear what they are saying.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.