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Many people experience hearing loss gradually, often due to the natural aging process or long exposure to loud noise. Hearing loss can be a sign of more serious health problems.
If you think you have a hearing loss you should take the 5-Minute Hearing Test. This screening questionnaire, which takes only five minutes to complete and score, can help you decide whether you should see an ear specialist for a hearing evaluation.
Record your score using the following responses:
Almost Always = 3 points
Half of the Time = 2 points
Occasionally = 1 point
Never = 0 points
1. I have a problem hearing over the telephone.
2. I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
3. People complain that I turn the TV volume to high.
4. I have to strain to understand conversations.
5. I miss hearing some common sounds like the phone or doorbell ringing.
6. I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background such as a party.
7. I get confused about where sounds come from.
8. I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves.
9. I especially have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.
10. I have worked in noisy environments (near assembly lines, jack hammers, jet engines, etc.)
11. Many people I talk to seem to mumble.
12. People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.
13. I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses.
14. I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear that I’ll reply improperly.
To be answered by a family member or friend:
15. Do you think this person has a hearing loss?
Scoring
If you have a blood relative who has a hearing loss, add another 3 points to your total score.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery recommends the following:
0 to 5 – Your hearing is fine. No action is required.
6 to 9 – Suggest you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
10 and above – Strongly recommend you see an ear physician.
The 5 Minute Hearing Test is provided as a public service by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
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