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June 20, 2013
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Hearing Self-Test


Topic Overview

Answer the following questions to check for hearing loss and see whether you need to have your hearing checked by your doctor or hearing specialist.

Questions about hearing loss
Do you have a problem hearing over the telephone? YesNo
Do you have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time?YesNo
Do people complain that you turn the TV or radio volume up too high?YesNo
Do you have to strain to understand conversation?YesNo
Do you have trouble hearing in a noisy background?YesNo
Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?YesNo
Do many people you talk to seem to mumble or not speak clearly?YesNo
Do you misunderstand what others are saying and respond in a way that may embarrass you?YesNo
Do you have trouble understanding women and children?YesNo
Do people get annoyed because you misunderstand what they say?YesNo

Total answers

Total your "Yes" answers:

If you have 0 to 2 "Yes" answers, your hearing probably is good. Take the test again in a few months, especially if you are routinely exposed to loud noises.

If you have 3 or more "Yes" answers, you may have some hearing loss and may want to see a health professional for a hearing evaluation.

[Adapted from the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders1]

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders (2010). Ten Ways to Recognize Hearing Loss. Available online: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/10ways.asp.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerSteven T. Kmucha, MD - Otolaryngology
Last RevisedApril 13, 2011

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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