Hearing loss
Signs of hearing loss
Hearing loss usually develops so gradually that family and friends often notice it before you do. If several of the signs below sound familiar, book an exam right away. We offer complimentary hearing tests for those 55 and over.
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The self check
Early signs of hearing loss you might notice yourself
- People seem to mumble, especially women and children, whose voices are higher pitched
- You follow one-to-one conversations fine but struggle in restaurants, groups and cars
- You ask people to repeat themselves more than you used to
- The television or radio is louder than other people want
- You miss the doorbell, the phone, the turn signal or the microwave
- Phone calls are harder than face-to-face conversation
- You hear but do not understand: the sound is there, the words are not
- You feel tired after social events from the effort of listening
- You have ringing, buzzing or hissing in your ears (tinnitus)
- You find yourself watching people's lips
- You avoid noisy places or social situations you used to enjoy
Signs other people notice first
- They say you have the television too loud
- They notice you nodding along without really following
- They have to face you or tap you to get your attention
- They repeat things, and you still mishear them
- They notice you talk more loudly than you used to
- They see you withdrawing from conversation at family gatherings
If a partner or a family member has raised your hearing as a concern, it should be taken seriously. Family members are most often aware of the hearing loss before the patient.
When to book
When to book a hearing test
Book a test if:
- You ticked three or more of the signs above
- Someone close to you has mentioned your hearing
- You are 55 or over and have never had a baseline test
- Your hearing changed suddenly, in one ear or both (call us the same day)
- You have ringing in your ears that is new or getting worse
- You work or have worked around loud noise
- You have a health condition linked to hearing loss, such as diabetes or heart disease
A hearing test provides the information needed to decide next steps and treatment. Whatever the result, you leave with a clear recommendation: a return visit in a year or two, hearing aids, or a referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist.
Why people wait
Why people wait
Most people wait years between first noticing the signs of hearing loss and booking a test. The reasons are familiar: there is no noticeable impact yet, hearing aids feel like an admission of age, or they associate hearing aids with outdated technology.
Hearing is easier to manage when it is addressed early, before the brain has spent years adapting to less sound and experiencing auditory deprivation. Modern hearing aids are small, rechargeable and connect to your phone.
Good to know
Questions about the signs of hearing loss
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
You cannot know for certain without a test. The strongest clues are struggling in background noise, asking for repeats, turning the television up, and feeling as if others are mumbling. A complimentary hearing test gives a definite answer.
What are the first signs of hearing loss?
Usually difficulty hearing in noise, feeling as if others mumble, and trouble with high-pitched voices and consonants. These signs reflect high-frequency loss, which is where age- and noise-related loss begins.
Can hearing loss come on suddenly?
Yes. A sudden drop, especially in one ear, needs a call to us the same day for a hearing test. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (nerve damage) is a medical emergency, with a 24 to 48 hour window for treatment with steroids. Do not wait to see whether it clears, and do not assume it is wax. If we are closed, go straight to an emergency department.
Is it hearing loss or just ear wax?
Wax is most often in both ears and develops over a few days; hearing loss usually progresses over years. Only an examination of the outer ear will show whether the issue is wax. If wax is not the issue, a hearing test can be conducted the same day.
I am under 55. Can I still get tested?
Yes. Everyone should have their hearing tested every two years, regardless of their age. Adult hearing tests are $55 for people under 55, credited back if hearing aids are purchased through our clinic.
Book
Stop wondering and get clear answers
A complimentary hearing test for anyone 55 and over, with results explained on the spot. Book an appointment online.