How do I detect a hearing loss?
People who are affected by hearing loss often have difficulties detecting and accepting this fact. The reduction of the ear’s functions usually develops over many years, which is why it takes time to detect the symptoms.
How can you test yourself? Are you familiar with the following situations?
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Do you often feel that other people are 'mumbling' or speaking unclearly?
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Do you often need to ask people to repeat what they have said?
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Do you often experience problems hearing and understanding what other people are saying to you when you do not have eye contact?
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Do you avoid parties and social events because there is too much noise or you can't hear what people are saying?
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Do you often have trouble understanding a conversation when there is background noise or other people are talking at the same time?
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Are you no longer able to hear everyday sounds such as the wind in the trees, footsteps or the sound of water?
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Do you often fail to hear the doorbell or the telephone?
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When watching television with others, do you need to set the volume higher than they would to hear what is being said?
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Have your family members / colleagues / friends asked you whether you have a hearing problem?
If you have answered one or several questions with yes, you should have your hearing tested.
Or you can take an online hearing test now:
Taking an online hearing test »
Establishing a first contact with hearing care specialists »
What does the degree of hearing loss mean?
The degree of hearing loss varies from person to person. Between the two extremes of hearing well and hearing nothing, there are many degrees of hearing loss. The terms used to describe the degree of hearing loss are mild, moderate, severe and profound. Most hearing losses are mild to moderate.
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Mild hearing loss: unable to hear soft sounds, difficulty understanding speech clearly in noisy environments.
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Moderate hearing loss: unable to hear soft and moderately loud sounds, considerable difficulty understanding speech, particularly with background noise.
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Severe hearing loss: some loud sounds are audible but communication without a hearing instrument is impossible.
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Profound hearing loss: some extremely loud sounds are audible but communication without a hearing instrument is impossible.
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