Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss

If you think someone you know might have a hearing loss, take a look at this list of common signs. Do any of the following sound familiar?

• They appear to hear people talk but have difficulty understanding some of the words
• They’re constantly asking people to repeat themselves
• They have a hard time understanding women and children’s voices
• They have a hard time understanding in a crowd
• It’s hard for them to understand on the phone
• They favour one ear over the other
• They complain of a ringing sensation in one or both ears
• They often appear uncomfortable in social occasions they used to enjoy
• They seem withdrawn, depressed or irritable
• Other friends or family members have noticed their difficulty hearing

While a few “yes” answers don’t automatically indicate a hearing loss, it does suggest the need for further evaluation. Click here to access a list of hearing professionals in your area.