Self-Test

According to recent statistics, more than 31 million Americans have a significant hearing impairment.  Hearing loss typically occurs gradually, making it often difficult to recognize.  Without appropriate services, these individuals may be struggling to communicate in situations that normal hearing individuals take for granted.

If you often ask people to repeat what they are saying, hear but don't understand, or turn the TV or radio up too loud, you may have a hearing loss.

1. Do people seem to mumble or speak in a softer voice 
    than they use to?
2. Do you have difficulty heairng in noisy environments,
    such as a restaurant?
3. Do you sometimes miss key words in a sentence, or
    frequently need to ask people to repeat themselves?
4. Do you feel tired or irritable after long conversations?
5. Do you often need to turn up the volume on your TV or 
    radio?
6. Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone?
7. Do you find it difficult to hear the doorbell or the 
     telephone ring?
8. Do you avoid social situations and taking part in 
    conversations because you do not understand speech
    clearly?
9. Do your family and friends express concern about your 
    hearing?
10. Do you find it difficult to pinpoint the location of an 
       object from the noise it makes?

A positive reponse to any of these symptoms may indicate the need for a hearing evaluation.  You should have your hearing tested.

Suggestions to Improve Communication

• When someone is speaking to you, it is important to have them get your attention before speaking.  They should say your name, tap you lightly, or gesture before speaking so you may direct your attention to them.

• The speaker should look directly at the listener.  Most people lip-read without realizing it.  Also, choose well-lighted environments.

• Reduce the distance between the speaker and you.  A person with a hearing loss may not be able to understand speech from another room, or when they have their back to you.

• Advise the speaker to speak naturally, but not fast.  The speaker may talk slightly louder than normal, but should not shout.  Shouting typically does not help, and often causes discomfort.

• Reduce as much background noise as possible.  Turn off as many 
 extraneous noise as possible, such as, the television, radio, running water, and fans.  Pick quieter restaurants.

• The speaker may need to rephrase information rather than repeating misunderstood words.  Some words are heard more easily than other.

• In addition to a hearing aid, you may benefit from an assistive listening device to improve your ability to hear in difficult situations.