10 Warning Signs of Hearing Loss
- People seem to mumble more frequently.
- You experience ringing in your ears.
- You often ask people to repeat themselves.
- Your family complains that you play the radio or TV too loudly.
- You no longer hear normal household sounds, such as the dripping of a faucet or the ringing of a doorbell.
- You have difficulty understanding a conversation when in a large group or crowd.
- You have trouble understanding all the words in a conversation.
- You find telephone conversation increasingly difficult.
- You have trouble hearing when your back is turned to the speaker.
- You have been told you speak too loudly.
If you experience these warning signs repeatedly or in combination, they may indicate a hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive
Sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum. Usually involves a reduction in sound level, and the inability to hear faint sounds.
Sensorineural
There is damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways.
Mixed
A combination of Conductive and Sensorineural hearing loss, where damage may be in the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
Loud concerts, earbuds with music too loud, exposure to workplace hearing hazards, etc.