Excessive noise (i.e., construction, rock music, gunshot, etc.)

Aging (presbycusis)

Infections (otitis media)

Injury to the head or ear

Birth defects or genetics

Ototoxic reaction to drugs or cancer treatment (i.e., antibiotics, chemotherapy, radiation)

Frequently asking others to repeat themselves

Often avoiding social situations

Difficulty understanding speech in noisy situations

Feel that people are mumbling when they speak to you

Turning the television volume up so loud that others complain

Often misunderstanding conversations

Having to look at the speaker’s face carefully to follow the conversation

Difficulty hearing in church or an auditorium

Ringing in the ear(s)