Executive Team Search Online hearing test Find a provider HEARING AIDS HEARING LOSS TINNITUS VETERANS SUPPORT Hearing loss symptoms The signs of hearing loss are more obvious than you think. One in six adults 18 and older has hearing loss.1 Here are ways to tell if you or someone you love might have hearing loss. 1. Source: National Center of Health Statistics Common signs of hearing loss You frequently ask others to repeat themselves If you find yourself saying “what?” all the time, or you need to be looking at someone to hear what they’re saying (by also reading their lips), your hearing might be fading. You turn the TV to a volume others find loud When you can’t have a conversation because your TV is too loud, it’s time to get a hearing test. You have trouble understanding conversations in noisy places This is one of the first challenges people with hearing loss encounter: tracking what someone else is saying in a noise-filled place like a restaurant. You have difficulty hearing women and children’s voices High-frequency hearing loss is very common — so it’s to be expected that women and children's voices would be tough to hear. You feel like others are mumbling A classic complaint of people who have hearing loss is that others don’t speak clearly. If you find yourself thinking people are mumbling and hard to understand, that may be a symptom of hearing loss. You have trouble hearing on the phone If you have trouble occasionally, that is OK. If you constantly feel like you cannot hear on the phone, whether you’re using a landline or mobile phone, this may be a symptom of hearing loss. You avoid social situations that were once enjoyable People who can’t engage easily, feel left out of conversations, or who have bad experiences trying to hear in public spaces often decide it’s easier to decline invitations and stay at home. It doesn’t have to be this way. You have ringing in your ears Ringing in your ears is often thought to be a symptom of hearing loss or damage to the auditory system — and hearing loss and tinnitus very often go hand in hand. You are told by others that you have hearing loss If more than one friend or family member questions your hearing acuity — in seriousness or jest — guess what? They could be onto something. Next: Prevention Why people ignore hearing loss People who treat hearing loss often say, “why did I wait so long?” Here are four common reasons: It's unrecognized “I don’t have hearing loss” they say, “you just mumble and talk too softly.” It’s easy to compensate for “I’ll just turn up the volume, ask others to repeat themselves, or avoid places where hearing is a problem.” It’s viewed as no big deal Many people are unfamiliar with research linking hearing loss to falls, depression, social isolation and dementia. They think hearing aids are a pain Maybe once upon a time, but today’s hearing aids are smart, sophisticated and designed to set-and-forget. Frequently asked questions How can I recognize hearing problems? Are there different types of hearing loss? Doesn't hearing loss only affect old people? If I had hearing loss, wouldn't my doctor have told me? If I think I have a hearing problem, what do I do? You might also like: Tired more than usual? It may be hearing loss Gradual hearing loss can make us more fatigued than we think we should be. Learn why Watch the video Signs of hearing loss The early warning signs of hearing loss are often missed. Learn what to look for. Watch the video Why do I have a hard time hearing in noise? One of the first signs of hearing loss is struggling to hear in loud places like restaurants. Find out why HEARING AIDS Hearing aids Reviews Costs & financing Tinnitus For veterans Hearing aid finder HEARING LOSS Online hearing test Types & causes Signs of hearing loss Treatment Help a loved one SUPPORT Get help Learn how Videos Warranty Operations manuals ABOUT STARKEY About us Careers News Blog Newsletter Contact us Media inquiries Starkey Cares Hear better. Live better. SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST UPDATES FROM STARKEY Your email Starkey Hearing Foundation Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Linked In Blog © 2007-2021 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Free better hearing guide Internet sales policy Privacy & terms Trademarks Global locations Privacy Notice We use cookies on our websites to personalize your experience, provide social media features, and analyze traffic. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. We may also collect and share personal information, as described in our privacy policy. Please review our privacy policy for more information about your privacy rights, including under the California Consumer Privacy Act, and the General Data Protection Regulation. Ok