Do you have a hearing loss?
Most people slowly lose their hearing as part of the natural ageing process—around 70% of people aged over 70 have some kind of hearing loss. As this happens over time, it may take a while to recognise the loss. More rarely, hearing loss develops quickly and is noticeable straight away.
If you answer yes to some of the following questions, you might have a hearing loss. Do you:
- ask people to repeat what they say?
- misunderstand what’s being said?
- have trouble hearing in groups?
- think others mumble?
- fail to hear others entering the room?
- have trouble hearing the doorbell or telephone ringing?
- have difficulty hearing over the telephone?
- get confused about which direction sound is coming from?
- turn up the volume of your TV or music when it’s fine for others?
- have others tell you that you’re not speaking clearly?
- dread going to pubs, parties and being in other noisy places?
Take a hearing check
Need more information about hearing loss, including its types and causes? Find more here from our carefully selected partner, Hidden Hearing.
Related Content
Reader's Digest
Menopause: How to beat the night sweats
Reader's Digest
Dry eyes: Causes and treatment
Dr Max Pemberton
Medical myths: We swallow 8 spiders a year in our sleep
Helen Cowan
