Hearing loss occurs gradually. Some of the most common signs of hearing loss include:

• People sound as though they are mumbling.

• You can hear people talking but cannot understand them.

• Hearing conversation in background noise, like restaurants, is very difficult.

• Family and friends notice your hearing loss and make mention of it.

• You have to turn the TV volume louder than what others find comfortable.

Hair cells in the inner ear

Hearing depends on a series of events that change sound waves in the air into electrical signals.