Hearing self-test

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?	Yes	No
Do you have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time?	Yes	No
Do people complain that you turn the TV or radio volume up too high?	Yes	No
Do you have to strain to understand conversation?	Yes	No
Do you have trouble hearing in a noisy background?	Yes	No
Do you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves?	Yes	No
Do many people you talk to seem to mumble or not speak clearly?	Yes	No
Do you misunderstand what others are saying and respond in a way that may embarrass you?	Yes	No
Do you have trouble understanding women and children?	Yes	No
Do people get annoyed because you misunderstand what they say?	Yes	No
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]

Citations

1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders (2006). Ten Ways to Recognize Hearing Loss. Available online: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/10ways.asp.