Hearing loss happens to many people as part of the natural ageing process. Often, it creeps up on us and we are unaware there is even a problem until friends and family start complaining we don’t hear them or the neighbours bang on the wall when we’re watching Countdown at full volume. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to book a hearing test, there are some of the top signs.

Trouble Hearing Conversations

One of the most common signs that you may need a hearing test is difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments like restaurants or parties. You might frequently ask people to repeat themselves or need to turn up the TV volume higher than normal. Straining to understand speech is tiring and frustrating. If you find yourself constantly saying “what?” during chats, it’s a clue your hearing may be impaired.

Hearing Loss is Gradual and Unnoticed

Hearing loss often comes on so gradually that you don’t notice it happening. Your brain adapts to fill in the missing sounds. The change is painless and you may only realise how bad your hearing has got when it starts impacting your life. Ask your partner or friends if they’ve noticed you missing things. Have you had to give up activities you used to enjoy that involve sound detection, like birdwatching? Pay attention if loved ones think you need a test.

Ear Pain and Ringing

Ear pain and tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or whooshing noises in your ears) can indicate issues with your hearing health. These symptoms suggest the delicate mechanism inside your ear is under strain. As well as being annoying, tinnitus and earaches often accompany deterioration in hearing. Get them checked out rather than dismissing them as insignificant. Testing at www.hearclearni.co.uk will determine if there is a quick fix like earwax removal or if you need hearing aids.

Difficulty on the Phone

Do you struggle to catch what callers say over the phone? Does it help if you switch ears? This tends to happen when hearing fades in just one ear or when higher frequency sounds become challenging to pick up. Since consonant sounds fall into the high frequency range, not hearing them properly makes speech hard to decipher. If your phone manner is leading to misunderstandings, it could show impairment.

Withdrawal from Social Situations

As hearing worsens, following group conversations can become exhausting. You may react by avoiding chatter, parties and eating out because they expose your impairment. Look out for unwillingness to attend weddings, reluctance to answer the phone and giving up activities you used to enjoy. Withdrawing from social interactions stops you asking people to repeat themselves but isolates you. If you notice these changes in your behaviour, booking a test is wise.

Noticing one or two of these symptoms doesn’t definitely mean you need a test. But if you experience several or your hearing loss is impacting daily communication, then it’s advisable to get checked out. Testing is quick and painless and identifying any problems early gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Don’t delay booking an appointment with your GP or audiologist. Catching issues before they worsen safeguards your hearing health, social life and independence.