Are you noticing you that you might not be hearing as well as you used to be?  Because hearing loss can happen gradually over many years, you may not know if your hearing has suffered. Here are a few signs that it may be time to take a hearing test.

1. You hear people talking, but you have a hard time understanding what is being said.  Many people complain that it’s just harder to tell what is being said. You may find yourself asking friends to repeat themselves or find yourself responding to them by saying, ‘huh?’
2. You have a hard time hearing on the telephone or notice that the television or radio is turned up louder than what’s comfortable to others. You may find yourself adjusting the volume on your phone in order to help you hear.
3. When you have a hearing loss, you may find yourself not wanting to participate in activities you once enjoyed. When you can’t understand people, it may seem more like work to go to the movies or spend time with friends and family.
4. You have a hard time understanding women and children’s voice. Often our hearing is damaged first in the higher frequencies. If you find that you are having a hard time understanding certain people it may be because you have a hearing loss.
5.  Have ringing in your ears, also known as tinnitus. Ringing in your ears can be a sign of hearing loss. It may sound like hissing, buzzing or ringing.  

If you have noticed any of these signs, it may be time for a hearing test. Visit a hearing professional near you to find out for sure.