Why do people not realize they have a hearing loss?
We are only able to hear what we can hear. That is why sounds or voices may still seem right to you, even though you may already experience a hearing loss. The truth is your brain adjusts to the “new normal” and tries to compensate for the reduced signals coming from the ears. Over time your brain literally forgets how to hear, because it does not remember how to categorize words and other environmental sounds.
How can I tell if I have a hearing problem?
Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, you could have a hearing problem and may need to have your hearing checked.
Do I have a problem hearing on the telephone or cell phone?
YES NO
Do I have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background?
YES NO
Is it hard for me to follow a conversation when two or more people talk
at the same time?
YES NO
Do I have to strain to understand a conversation?
YES NO
Do many people I talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)?
YES NO
Do I misunderstand what others are saying?
YES NO
Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?
YES NO
Do people complain that I turn the TV volume up too high?
YES NO
