Most hearing loss goes unnoticed because of its gradual onset. Family and friends tend to notice there’s a problem before the person with hearing loss does. People with hearing loss do not realise how much they have been missing until they get help.
For most people hearing loss occurs gradually, so you may not notice the signs right away. Do you identify with any of the following?
- People seem to mumble
- Asking others to repeat themselves
- Difficulty following conversations in background noise or in group situations
- Children’s and women's voices are difficult to hear
- Being able to hear people talk, but having difficulty understanding the words
- The TV or radio is turned up louder than normal
- High pitched sounds such as birds, crickets and bells cannot be heard
- Family, colleagues and friends suggest you might have a hearing problem
- You often hear a ringing or buzzing in your ears.
Hearing Healthcare Professionals usually describe hearing loss by degrees. The degree of hearing loss is defined in ranges of mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe and profound. Click here to download the degrees of hearing loss chart












