How to Know When You're Losing Your Hearing

Listening to music that's too loud, constant exposure to noisy environments and basic old age are all causes of hearing loss. Hearing loss is most common among people older than 65, but it can affect people of all ages. Hearing loss can sometimes be treated and cured if it's caused by a buildup of earwax, an ear infection or an object in the ear. However, if the hearing loss is caused by aging, it's almost always permanent. You should recognize warning signs early to try to prevent additional hearing loss.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to the sounds you're hearing. Check for ringing, hissing or buzzing sounds in the ear. Distorted sounds may range from very soft to loud.

• 2

  Note whether sounds seem muffled. If everything you hear seems softer than before, you may be experiencing hearing loss.

• 3

  Check whether you've needed to adjust the volume on your TV, radio or mp3 player. If you've needed to turn up the volume to hear, it may be an indication of hearing loss.

• 4

  Notice whether you're experiencing itching or pain, or have pus leaking from your ears. These may be symptoms of hearing loss or an infection.

• 5

  Ask yourself if you're having difficulty hearing conversations with others. Check if background noise interferes significantly with your ability to carry on a conversation.

• 6

  Determine whether you're experiencing vertigo, or a feeling of dizziness and motion when there is no actual movement. Vertigo is a common sign of an inner-ear infection that can cause hearing loss.