Hearing loss often occurs very gradually. Because of this, many individuals may not realize how serious their hearing problem is or has become.

The Food and Drug Administration has listed the following symptoms as signs that you might need a hearing aid:

• People say you're shouting when you talk to them
• You need the TV or radio turned up louder than other people do
• You often have to ask people to repeat what they say because you can't quite hear them, especially in groups or when there is background noise
• You can't hear a noise if you're not facing the direction it's coming from
• You seem to hear better out of one ear than the other
• You have to strain to hear
• You keep hearing a hissing or ringing background noise
• You can't hear a dripping faucet or the high notes of a violin

If you have any of these symptoms, we recommend you consult your doctor or an audiologist so you can be tested for a hearing loss.