Many people experience hearing loss gradually, often due to the natural aging process or long exposure to loud noise. Hearing loss can also be a sign of more serious health problems. If you think you may have a hearing loss, take this 5 minute hearing test.

You will receive 3 points for each "Almost Always," 2 points for every "half the time," 1 for every "occasionally," and 0 for every "never" answer. Keep track of your points on a sheet of paper and then score them according to the directions at the end of the test.

1. I have a problem hearing over the telephone.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
2. I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
3. People complain that I turn the TV volume too high.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
4. I have to strain to understand conversations.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
5. I miss hearing some common sounds like the phone or doorbell ring.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
6. I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background, such as a party.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
7. I get confused about where sounds come from.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
8. I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
9. I especially have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
10. I have worked in noisy environments (such as assembly lines, construction sites, or near jet engines).

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
11. Many people I talk to seem to mumble, or don't speak clearly.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
12. People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
13. I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
14. I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I'll make improper replies.

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never
15. Ask a family member or friend to answer this question: Do you think this person has a hearing loss?

       Almost Always
       Half the time
       Occasionally
       Never

Add up your point total and compare to the chart below:

Reprinted with permission of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, copyright © 2005. All rights reserved.