Many people experience hearing loss gradually, often due to the natural aging process or long exposure to loud noise. Hearing loss can also be a sign of more serious health problems.
If you think you may have a hearing loss, take this 5 minute hearing test. You will receive 3 points for each "almost always," 2 for every "half the time," 1 for every "occasionally," and 0 for every "never" answer.

1. I have a problem hearing over the telephone.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

2. I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

3. People complain that I turn the TV volume too high.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

4. I have to strain to understand conversations.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

5. I miss hearing some common sounds like the phone or doorbell ring.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

6. I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background, such as a party.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

7. I get confused about where sounds come from.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

8. I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

9. I especially have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.
   Almost always
   Half the time
   Occasionally
   Never

---

10. I have worked in noisy environments (such as assembly lines, contstruction sites, or near jet engines).
    Almost always
    Half the time
    Occasionally
    Never

---

11. Many people I talk to seem to mumble, or don't speak clearly.
    Almost always
    Half the time
    Occasionally
    Never

---

12. People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.
    Almost always
    Half the time
    Occasionally
    Never

---

13. I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses.
    Almost always
    Half the time
    Occasionally
    Never

---

14. I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I'll make improper replies.
    Almost always
    Half the time
    Occasionally
    Never

---

15. Ask a family member or friend to answer this question: Do you think this person has a hearing loss?
    Almost always
    Half the time
    Occasionally
    Never

© 2007 Stefan Kieserman, M.D.

  Any information provided on this Web site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment