Hearing Loss

Symptoms of hearing loss include:

• Muffled hearing.
• Difficulty understanding what people are saying, especially when there are competing voices or background noise. You may be able to hear someone speaking, but you cannot distinguish the specific words.
• Listening to the television or radio at higher volume than in the past.
• Avoiding conversation and social interaction. Social situations can be tiring and stressful if you do not hear well. You may begin to avoid those situations as hearing becomes more difficult.
• Depression. Many adults may be depressed because of how hearing loss is affecting their social life.

Other symptoms that may occur with hearing loss include:

• Ringing, roaring, hissing, or buzzing in the ear (Reference tinnitus Opens New Window).
• Ear pain, itching, or irritation.
• Pus or fluid leaking from the ear. This may result from an injury or infection that is causing hearing loss.
• Reference Vertigo Opens New Window, which can occur with hearing loss caused by Reference Ménière's disease Opens New Window, Reference acoustic neuroma Opens New Window, or Reference labyrinthitis Opens New Window.

People who have hearing loss are sometimes not aware of it. Family members or friends often are the first to notice the hearing loss. Evaluate your hearing by taking a Reference hearing loss self-test.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.