10 Warning Signs of Hearing Loss

If you experience these warning signs repeatedly or in combination, they may indicate a hearing loss.

  1. People seem to mumble more frequently.
  2. You experience ringing in your ears.
  3. You often ask people to repeat themselves.
  4. Your family complains that you play the radio or TV too loudly.
  5. You no longer hear normal household sounds, such as the dripping of a faucet or the ringing of a doorbell.
  6. You have difficulty understanding a conversation when in a large group or crowd.
  7. You have trouble understanding all the words in a conversation.
  8. You find telephone conversation increasingly difficult.
  9. You have trouble hearing when your back is turned to the speaker.
  10. You have been told you speak too loudly.

To find out more, call or visit your nearest Beltone Hearing Care Center to schedule a free hearing screening.

Questions & Answers

Frequently asked questions and the answers you need to know for better hearing care.

Q: Am I at risk for hearing loss?

A: Although hearing loss can affect anyone at any age, the greatest incidence of hearing loss is with seniors. In the United States, about 28 million people are affected to varying degrees. It is estimated that one of every four people over the age of 65 has a hearing disorder. The majority can hear voices, but lose the ability to clearly understand speech.

Q: How do I know if I have hearing loss?

A: Hearing loss has many symptoms. Like most people, you may find that you cannot always understand what you've heard, especially in a meeting or social group gathering. Noisy environments - in a restaurant or in a car - may make it harder for you to understand what's being said. As hearing loss progresses, listening from a distance and conversing with friends may become more difficult, sometimes leading to unnecessary isolation. Another frequents symptom is having trouble understanding the TV, even after you've adjusted the volume control.

Q: What can I do?

A: A hearing evaluation by a licensed professional is the best way to determine if you are experiencing a hearing loss. Everyone should have a "baseline" hearing evaluation regularly. If a problem is detected, an audiologist or hearing care practitioner should also discuss whether you might benefit from using hearing aids.

Q: Will everyone know I'm wearing a hearing aid?

A: A hearing loss is much more conspicuous than a hearing aid. Some of today's hearing aids are virtually invisible. You may be surprised to learn that some of your friends and neighbors probably already wear hearing aids, and you don't even know it. People from all walks of life use hearing inbtruments, including business leaders, entertainers, and sports figures.

Q: How do I know who to trust with my hearing health?

A: There are many reasons to have confidence in Beltone.

A Leader in Hearing Health Care - For over 65 years Beltone has dedicated itself to better hearing care, providing products and services through a network of 1400 offices throughout the United States.

Professional People - Independent Beltone offices are staffed with professionally licensed audiologists and hearing care practitioners who are trained in administering appropriate diagnostic hearing evaluations and fitting hearing aids. A copy of your hearing evaluation can be sent to your physician if you wish.

Personal Service - We are committed to making you toatally satisfied with your Beltone experience. Because hearing losses are as different as the people who have them, you will always receive individualized attention from your very first screening through a lifetime of aftercare.

Advanced Technology - Beltone offers an extensive line of hearing instruments, including digital and digitally programmable products. Beltone has also developed a revolutionary fitting software, called Beltone AVE.™ (Audio Verification Environment). Beltone AVE.™ uses the latest technology to let you hear what a hearing aid sounds like in the real world. It allows us to choose and adjust your hearing aid in the same types of situations where you will use your hearing aid, before you leave our office.

Customized Products - At Beltone, we will explain the differences between various hearing aids and circuitry to help determine the products best suited to your lifestyle and budget.

Q: What is my next step?

A: Call or visit your nearest Beltone Hearing Care Center to schedule an appointment for a free hearing screening.