Hearing changes can be subtle.
Knowing the signs matters.
Hearing loss can develop gradually, and the first signs are often noticed in everyday conversations rather than as a sudden change. Recognising these signs can help you decide when it may be time to have your hearing checked by a qualified hearing-care professional.
Recognise hearing difficulties.
You may still hear many sounds clearly while finding speech harder to follow, especially in busy or noisy places. You might ask people to repeat themselves more often, turn up the television, miss parts of telephone conversations or feel that people are not speaking clearly.
One sign on its own does not confirm hearing loss. But repeated or persistent difficulties are a good reason to consider a professional hearing assessment.
Small changes in everyday listening
can tell you something important.
Conversations Feel Less Clear
You frequently ask people to repeat themselves, miss parts of conversations or feel that speech sounds unclear.
Noise Makes Listening Harder
Following conversation becomes more difficult in restaurants, gatherings, markets or other places with background noise.
The Volume Keeps Going Up
You find yourself increasing the television, radio or device volume, or others comment that it sounds louder than usual.
Phone & Group Conversations Are Difficult
Understanding speech over the phone or keeping track of several people speaking in a group takes more effort.
Everyday Sounds Are Easier to Miss
Doorbells, alarms, telephone rings or other higher-pitched everyday sounds may be less noticeable than before.
Ringing or Buzzing in the Ears
Persistent ringing, buzzing or other sounds in the ears, known as tinnitus, can be a reason to seek hearing-care advice.
Notice. Check.
Understand. Act.
Notice
Pay attention to repeated changes in conversations, television listening, telephone use and hearing in noisy places.
Check
An online hearing screen can be a useful first check, but it does not diagnose hearing loss or replace a professional assessment.
Understand
A professional hearing assessment can help identify whether hearing loss is present and provide information about its type and degree.
Act
If a hearing difficulty is identified, a qualified professional can discuss appropriate next steps based on your individual needs.
Have you noticed any of these changes?
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Finding conversations harder to follow in noisy places
- Turning the television or radio louder than before
- Missing parts of telephone or group conversations
- Having difficulty hearing doorbells, alarms or telephone rings
- Experiencing persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears
If these situations are becoming familiar or persistent, consider having your hearing checked by a qualified hearing-care professional.
Noticing a Change in Your Hearing?
Take the next step with an online hearing screen, or speak with a qualified hearing-care professional if you have ongoing concerns.