At this stage, most people get by, putting up with what they are missing. They are beginning to rely on others: “What did she say, honey?” Sometimes the spouse becomes the hearing aid. Friends and family are more aware of advancing hearing loss than the person who has it.

Stage Two Symptoms – 30% – 50% Hearing Loss

• Moderately loud sounds becoming inaudible like the refrigerator, a doorbell, children’s voices, feet on the floor
• Lip reading is now used, otherwise, words are often misinterpreted
• TV volume too loud for most people
• Conversations require effort for both the speaker and the listener
• Spouse develops a loud voice
• Social withdrawal begins
• Mental fade can begin here
• Family frustration elevated. “Daddy, why does grandma ignore me?” “You purposely ignore me. Selective hearing“  “And, you purposely walk away from me and mumble!”

At this stage, each family member is affected in some way.

Stage Three Symptoms – 60% – 80% Hearing Loss. Stage two was made worse.

• TV loud enough to be heard outside
• You must pound hard on the door to get their attention
• Conversations are never casual. They require effort, focus, and repetition
• Social life diminished
• Word recognition is very poor
• The mental decline now evident partly caused by reduced auditory stimulation
• The risk of injury is elevated caused of an inability to hear approaching hazards
• Mistrust of others because they don’t really understand what’s being said
• Family frustration high