---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/what-ask-hearing-loss'
title: 'What to Ask: Hearing Loss'
author:
  name: 'lauren kopchik'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/97'
date: '2018-10-15T15:33:30+00:00'
updated: '2018-10-23T14:34:38+00:00'
type: resource
summary: 'Hearing loss is not a universal aspect of aging, but it is very common among older adults and increases with age. Here are questions you can ask your healthcare provider about hearing loss.'
published: true
---
##  [What to Ask: Hearing Loss](/tools-and-tips/what-ask-hearing-loss)

Hearing loss is not a universal aspect of aging, but it is very common among older adults and increases with age. Ten percent of adults 65-75 years old, and 25% of adults older than 75 years have hearing loss.

**Here are questions you can ask your healthcare provider about hearing loss:**

1. My hearing is failing. Can you check my ears and hearing?
2. Do I have enough wax build up to need my ears cleaned? How can I do this myself?
3. I’ve tried cleaning my ears and still have a problem. What do I do next?
4. Who would you recommend that I see for a hearing test?
5. Should I see an ear doctor or an audiologist first?
6. How will I know if I really need and would benefit from a hearing aid?