Hearing loss almost always comes slowly, over many years. That is exactly why it is easy not to notice it: often our family notices it before we do. Here are the signs to look out for, and when it is time for a hearing test.
Why it is easy not to notice
When hearing declines slowly, the brain adapts and «fills in the gaps». Usually high-pitched sounds go first, such as the consonants s, f, t, k. The result is a typical feeling: «I can hear, but I can’t understand properly». The voices are there, but the words become less clear, especially when there is background noise.
The most common signs
Do you recognise yourself in at least two or three of these situations?
- You often ask people to repeat themselves, or say «sorry?» more than before.
- One to one you understand well, but in a restaurant, with family or in a group you find it hard to follow.
- You turn up the TV or radio, and others tell you it is too loud.
- Women’s and children’s voices seem harder to understand.
- You feel that people «speak quietly» or mumble.
- You understand less on the phone than you used to.
- You don’t hear the doorbell, the oven timer or birdsong.
- You hear ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus).
- At the end of the day, after many conversations, you feel particularly tired.
Why it is better not to wait
Many people wait years before having a hearing test. That is a pity, for several reasons:
- The brain gets out of the habit of the sounds it no longer hears: the sooner you act, the easier it is to get used to them again.
- Listening takes effort: straining to understand everything all day is tiring and puts you in a bad mood.
- You risk withdrawing: you avoid dinners, phone calls and meetings because they become tiring.
- Several studies link untreated hearing loss to a higher risk of cognitive decline. Taking care of your hearing also means taking care of your mind.
When to have a hearing test
If you recognise some of the signs above, a hearing test is a good idea. Even without problems, after the age of 60 it is useful to have it checked regularly, just like your eyesight.
Important: if your hearing drops suddenly, especially in one ear, or if there is pain, discharge or severe dizziness, don’t wait: see your doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist straight away. Sudden hearing loss should be checked as soon as possible.
What a hearing test is like
The test is simple and painless, and usually takes less than an hour:
- a short conversation about your habits and the situations where you struggle;
- a visual check of your ears (for example to rule out an earwax plug);
- a test with headphones, where you listen to sounds at different frequencies;
- often also a speech test, to see how well you understand spoken words.
At the end the results are explained to you with a chart, the audiogram, and together you decide whether anything needs to be done.
💡 Practical tip
For one week, write down the situations in which you found it hard to hear: where you were, who was speaking, what was going on around you. Ask a family member what they have noticed too. Bring these notes to the test: they will be very useful.
👂 Take the online hearing check
With 10 questions about everyday situations and a short headphone test, find out in a few minutes whether it is time for a hearing test. Free, no data saved.
Any questions?
If you have questions about your hearing or about hearing aids, write to me: I will reply personally.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or professional advice.
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