The signs can be
easy to miss.
Hearing loss is not always obvious. It may first appear as difficulty following conversation, needing more volume, missing everyday sounds or finding noisy places increasingly difficult to manage.
Recognising Hearing Changes
Hearing Loss Often Develops Gradually
Because hearing changes can develop slowly, people sometimes adapt without realising it. They may turn up the television, rely more on visual cues, ask others to repeat themselves or avoid difficult listening situations. Recognising a pattern of changes can be a useful reason to arrange a professional hearing assessment.
Conversation Changes
Speech may seem less clear, particularly when several people are talking or there is background noise.
Volume Changes
Television, radio or phone volume may gradually need to be louder than it used to be.
Listening Effort
Following conversation may require more concentration, leaving listening situations unusually tiring or frustrating.
Common Everyday Signs
Small changes can become familiar before they are recognised.
Hearing difficulties often show themselves in ordinary moments rather than through complete loss of sound. A person may hear that someone is speaking but miss parts of the message, especially when speech is soft, distant or competing with other sounds.
Some situations make
hearing difficulties clearer
What to Do Next
Persistent hearing changes deserve a closer look.
Notice the Pattern
Look for repeated difficulties across conversations, television, telephone use, group settings and everyday environmental sounds.
Check Your Hearing
An online screening may provide an initial indication, but a professional hearing assessment is needed to understand hearing more fully.
Understand the Results
An audiologist can explain whether a hearing difficulty is present, its type and degree, and how the findings relate to everyday communication.
Discuss Next Steps
Depending on the findings, next steps may include monitoring, hearing support, rehabilitation or referral for medical assessment where appropriate.
Notice
→
Check
→
Assess
→
Understand
→
Act
When to Seek Advice
Gradual Changes
Consider a hearing assessment if difficulties with speech, television, telephone use or everyday sounds are persistent or becoming more noticeable.
One-Sided or Unequal Hearing
A noticeable difference between the ears or other unusual hearing symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate hearing-care or medical professional.
Tinnitus or Ear Symptoms
Persistent tinnitus, ear discomfort, discharge or other ear-related symptoms may warrant professional assessment depending on the circumstances.
Sudden Hearing Loss
A sudden loss or rapid deterioration in hearing requires prompt medical assessment. Do not rely on an online hearing screening when hearing changes suddenly.
Concerned about your child’s hearing?
If something about your child’s listening, speech or response to sound concerns you, an age-appropriate hearing assessment can help provide clarity.