The Five Minute Hearing Test

Give yourself the following points for each answer to the questions below:

Almost always = 3 points
Half the time = 2 points
Occasionally = 1 point
Never = 0 points

1. I have a problem hearing over the telephone
2. I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time
3. People complain that I turn the TV volume too high
4. I have to strain to understand conversations
5. I miss hearing some common sounds like the phone or the doorbell ringing
6. I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background such as a party
7. I get confused about where sounds come from
8. I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves
9. I especially have trouble understanding the speech of woman and children
10. I have worked in noisy environments (assembly lines, jackhammers, jet engines, etc.)
11. I hear fine – if people just speak clearly
12. People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say
13. I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses
14. I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I’ll reply improperly
15. If you have a blood relative who has hearing loss, add three points
16. To be answered by a family member or friend: Do you think this person has a hearing loss?

0-5 Your hearing is fine and no action is required.
6-9 We suggest that you have your hearing evaluated by an Audiologist.
10+ We strongly recommend that you have your hearing evaluated by an Audiologist.