According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, an estimated 20 percent of Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Could you be one of them? Because hearing loss often comes on gradually, you may not even realize how bad your hearing has gotten. Here are five symptoms your trusted ENT at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Camarillo looks for when diagnosing hearing loss.

1. Your Friends and Family Constantly Mumble.

Do you frequently need to ask your friends and family to repeat themselves because they are always mumbling? Do you not recall hearing things your friends and family claim they already told you? The problem may be with your hearing, not your loved ones. Ask them; they will probably be able to tell you.

2. You Find Yourself Turning the TV and Radio Louder and Louder.

Your aging electronics might be to blame, but it might also be your hearing. If you keep turning up the volume, it may be time to visit your ENT at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Camarillo for a hearing evaluation.

3. You've Started Watching People's Lips When They Talk.

When people can't hear as well, they often start trying to read others' lips to help them understand what people are saying. If you find yourself looking at people's lips more than their eyes, your hearing might be declining.

4. You Have a Difficult Time Understanding People in Noisy Situations.

Perhaps you can hear well when in a one-on-one situation but you have difficulty hearing people in noisy, crowded environments. This symptom, which you are most likely to notice in malls, restaurants or movie theaters, can also indicate hearing loss.

5. Long Conversations Make You Tired.

Do long conversations wear you out more than they used to? You may be straining to hear and understand the other person more than you realize. Visiting your ENT at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Camarillo for hearing loss treatment can help.

While these five symptoms can help you determine if you may be suffering from hearing loss, the best way to know for sure is to visit an ENT for an official diagnosis. Ignoring your hearing loss won't make it go away. Call West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Camarillo for the diagnosis and treatment plan you need today.