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Sound Advice
The Five Minute Hearing Test
Presented By Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (Izzy Kirsh, Ph.D. Audiologist & NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser Lic. #678)
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According to MarkeTrak: 50 percent of adults with hearing loss, who don't use hearing aids indicate they have never had their hearing professionally tested.
Two out of three first time users of hearing aids indicate the number one reason for seeking a hearing solution is the recognition that their hearing is getting worse.
The following hearing loss check is based on the Revised American Academy of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) five-minute hearing test. It is a means of quickly assessing if you possibly have a hearing loss requiring referral for an objective hearing test and possible hearing solution.
Instructions: With respect to your hearing, please think about your experiences with each of the following without the use of hearing aids or other devices designed to help you hear better. For each item, on a scale of 1 to 4, indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree.
• I have a problem hearing over the telephone.
• I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
• I have trouble understanding things on TV.
• I have to strain to understand conversations.
• I have to worry about missing a telephone ring or doorbell.
• I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background, such as a crowded room or restaurant.
• I get confused about where sounds come from.
• I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves.
• I especially have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.
• I have trouble understanding the speaker in a large room, such as at a meeting or place of worship.
• Many people I talk to seem to mumble (or don't speak clearly).
• People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.
• I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses.
• I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I will reply improperly.
• Family members and friends have told me they think I may have a hearing loss.
Step number two, add up scores in each columns scored 1 to 4.
In adding up your responses to the 15 items, you are now able to compare your scores to adults who have a hearing loss. The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) collected this information based on the responses from a representative sample of 2,304 people with hearing loss, ages 50 and above, using the National Family Opinion Panel in 1999.
If your score exceeds 15, you should have your hearing tested. The higher your score, the higher the likelihood of hearing loss which requires a technology solution.
Dr. Izzy is available to answer questions about hearing health care issues. His offices are in Toms River & Whiting. Call 732-818-3610.
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