Hearing loss affects one in ten Americans. It affects them in a variety of ways. Over time, it can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, and decline in career performance. In children, it can result in what appears to be behavioral problems and lack of social and academic performance. By leaving hearing loss untreated, a physical condition may also become a psychological one. It is important to seek a diagnosis promptly. We’ve provided the quiz below for you and a checklist for parents of children suspected of having a loss.

Answering these questions is the right place to start:

• Do people always comment that the volume on your TV or radio is too loud?
• Have you missed visits and calls from people because you didn't hear the doorbell or telephone ringing?
• Do you have trouble following conversations in crowded or noisy settings?
• Do people seem to mumble and not speak clearly during conversation?
• Do people tell you that you speak too loudly?
• Do you frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
• Do your friends and family suggest that you have a hearing problem?
• Do you have a difficult time understanding the words of popular songs when listening to the radio?

Signs of Hearing Loss in Children

Thanks to advances in newborn hearing screening programs, hearing loss can often be detected before you and your baby leave the hospital. However, if your baby passes this initial screening, you may notice signs of possible hearing loss at a later time. It is important to see if your child reaches the standard milestones at each stage of development. If you see your child isn't reaching those milestones,you should discuss it with your pediatrician. Close observation of a child by his/her parents in the early phases of development plays a central role for early detection of a hearing impairment.

What to Do Next

If you answered yes to any of these questions, there is a chance that you may have some degree of hearing loss. We urge you to have a hearing test conducted by a Hearing Care Professional. Your Hearing Care Professional has a great deal of information about hearing aids and hearing loss. They will be able to provide you with the best solution to fit your degree of hearing loss and lifestyle needs.