by Janice Rischke & Helen Barton

Hearing loss can occur at any age, but many of us suffer some loss by the time we are in our 50s or 60s. One of the first signs of loss is finding it difficult to distinguish various sounds, such as "s," "sh," "th" and "f".

Here are ten other signs that you may be developing hearing problems:

• You have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background or when several people talk at once.
• You have trouble hearing on the telephone.
• You have to strain to understand a conversation.
• Many people seem to mumble or not speak clearly.
• You misunderstand what others are saying and respond inappropriately.
• You often ask people to repeat themselves.
• You have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.
• People complain that you turn the TV volume up too high.
• People get annoyed because you misunderstand what they say.
• You hear a ringing, roaring or hissing sound a lot. Or some sounds seem too loud.

If you are concerned about your hearing, it is best to talk to your doctor. It may be as simple as having your ears flushed, or your doctor may refer you to an audiologist for a hearing test or audiogram.

Please see Hearing Aid Benefit (MURAnews, Summer 2020), and Hearing Aid Benefit, (MURAnews Summer 2013 and Winter 2010, for information on funding for hearing aids. If you do not have access to the internet, MURA will be pleased to send you a copy of this article. Contact MURA by email or phone at 905-525-9140, extension 23171.