How do I know if I've got hearing problems?

Reviewed by:
Jay Kim
Published on:
November 11, 2022
Updated on:
August 13, 2026

There are many signs that you may not be hearing well that you or others may notice.

You may think people speak quietly or mix up what someone is saying and hear something different.

You may have to look at their faces to help you understand or ask them to repeat what they’ve said. Sounds like birds, an alarm, or the phone ringing may be challenging to hear, or you may need to turn the T.V. volume up louder to hear it, which may be too loud for others.

You may hear ringing or buzzing noises in your ears called tinnitus or find it hard to hear in noisy places.

You may not need hearing aids - but you do need to know how healthy your ears are. Find out more.

You can browse the Hearing Health category page for more on understanding hearing changes.

Up Next
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) in Adults
Written by:
What benefits are there for treating my hearing loss?
Read article
Do headphones or earbuds increase your risk of hearing loss?
Read article
Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed?
Read article
Why can I hear some quiet environmental sounds, but speech is hard to understand?
Read article
What to Do If You Suddenly Lose Hearing in One Ear
Read article
Is there such a thing as being too old to start hearing treatment?
Read article
Why is it hard to hear people with accents?
Read article
What is a "free" hearing test vs an Ear360?
Read article
I know I have a hearing loss but it’s mild, should I wait till it gets worse before addressing it?
Read article
I know I have a hearing loss but it’s mild, should I wait till it gets worse before addressing it?
Read article
Why can I hear some quiet environmental sounds, but speech is hard to understand?
Read article
What Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Know About Menopause and Hearing Health
Read article
What is a "free" hearing test vs an Ear360?
Read article
What is Hyperacusis?
Read article
Why do people find some sounds unbearably loud while others don't?
Read article
How do I know if I've got hearing problems?
Read article
Aural Fullness and Ear Blockage: When Your Ear Feels “Plugged Up
Read article