Wouldn’t I know if I had hearing loss?

Question: Wouldn’t I know if I had hearing loss?

Answer: Hearing loss symptoms usually come on very slowly, but they also can arise suddenly. Common indications include requiring frequent repetition; having difficulty following conversations; thinking that other people sound muffled as if they are mumbling; having difficulty hearing in noisy situations like conferences, restaurants, malls, or meeting rooms; and having trouble hearing women and children.

Other indications are answering or responding inappropriately in conversations, reading lips or intently watching people’s faces when they speak with you, feeling annoyed with other people because you cannot understand them, and feeling embarrassed to meet new people.

Additionally, if you have a family history of hearing loss or you have diabetes, heart, circulation, or thyroid problems, these could indicate hearing loss.