Symptoms

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

When hearing loss is gradual, you may not observe any symptoms and may not associate certain day-to-day interactions with an inability to hear clearly. The following signs may indicate that you need to get your hearing tested:

• Speech and other sounds seem muffled.
• You have difficulty understanding words, especially in a crowded room or when there is a lot of ambient (background) noise.
• You frequently ask people to repeat themselves or to speak more clearly or loudly.
• Your loved ones complain that the TV or radio volume is too high.
• You can’t follow conversations.
• You have difficulty using the phone.
• You avoid parties or other social situations.

Complications of hearing loss can include depression, anxiety and relationship problems. When you have sudden hearing loss, whether or not it is associated with a loud noise, please seek immediate medical attention.^​1