Hearing loss is often so gradual that you may not notice it at first. As your hearing loss increases, you may compensate by turning up the volume or asking people to repeat themselves. It’s common to deny the problem initially, then blame others for mumbling or keeping the TV volume too low. If others tell you that you need a hearing test, it’s time to get one, especially when you consider that your odds of having hearing loss are 1 in 5.