You may have hearing loss if you experience any of these symptoms:

• You hear people speaking but strain to understand their words.
• You frequently ask people to repeat what they said.
• You don't laugh at jokes because you miss the punch line.
• You frequently complain that people mumble.
• You need to ask others about the details of a meeting you just attended.
• You play the TV or radio louder than your friends, spouse and relatives.
• You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone.
• You find that when people look directly at you while they speak to you, it makes it easier to understand.

If you have any of the above symptoms, we recommend an appointment to obtain a comprehensive audiometric evaluation.

An audiometric evaluation (AE) is the term used to describe a diagnostic hearing test.  An AE is more than just pressing the button when you hear a " beep. " Rather, an audiometric evaluation allows the audiologist to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss and it indicates how well (or how poorly) you understand speech in quiet and in noisy backgrounds. Speech sounds are the most important sounds we hear and the ability to understand speech is extremely important.  Your ability to hear and understand speech in quiet and in noisy situations can be accurately assessed by your hearing care professional (audiologist, ENT, hearing aid specialist). The AE also includes a thorough case history (interview) as well as visual inspection of the ear canal and eardrum and more.

(by sicologic.com)