How to work around a minor hearing loss

If you're missing a few words but not ready for a hearing aid, a few simple strategies and smartphone apps may help.

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Are you avoiding certain restaurants because they're too noisy? Do you catch yourself wondering what you just heard the radio announcer say? Are you wearing out the volume control on your remote? Chances are you have a bit of hearing loss.

It's easy to ignore a hearing loss because it can be subtle and gradual. And you may be in denial because you don't like the idea of wearing hearing aids. Yet struggling to hear can erode your quality of life.