Hearing check decision guide

A private, unscored checklist for choosing a next step. It does not test, measure or diagnose your hearing, and your answers are not stored.

First, check for reasons to seek urgent care

Select every statement that applies now. These prompts draw on NIDCD sudden-hearing-loss guidance and FDA warning signs.

Has your hearing dropped suddenly in one or both ears? Has your hearing become noticeably worse over the last few days or weeks? Do you have hearing loss together with earache or fluid coming from the ear?

Then, note everyday hearing changes

These are common signs listed in FDA hearing-aid guidance. They are not scored and do not determine a degree or type of hearing loss.

Do you often ask people to repeat themselves? Is it hard to follow speech in groups or noisy places? Do you struggle to hear on the phone? Does listening take more effort or leave you tired? Do other people say the TV or radio is too loud?

Official guidance used

For US readers. These sources were reviewed on 8 October 2026.

How to arrange a hearing test How to choose an online screener

Hearing check decision guide

Official guidance used

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