Do I Need a Hearing Test? 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

It usually starts small — turning up the TV a little louder, blaming a noisy café for a conversation you couldn’t quite follow, assuming everyone around you is mumbling. Sound familiar? You are not alone.

Most people wait an average of 7 years after first noticing hearing loss before seeking help. It’s easy to dismiss the early signs, especially because they creep up gradually and present themselves in minor ways. By the end of this article, you’ll know the 5 signs to look out for.

1. You’re constantly asking people to repeat themselves

Maybe even to the point where the other person is becoming frustrated. You missed what was said on the phone. What did you say? I can’t hear you. Can you check your phone? You might find yourself blaming others for mumbling or not enunciating clearly. You may also notice it’s harder to hear female or children’s voices — this is because the most common type of hearing loss begins with the higher frequencies.

2. Following conversations in noisy places is getting harder

Restaurants, family gatherings and the workplace start to feel exhausting. You find yourself nodding along, catching only some of what’s being said — or you begin avoiding these situations altogether because the effort feels like more than you can handle.

3. Others have noticed your volume levels

If family members or housemates have commented that the TV is too loud, or if you’ve started relying on subtitles more than you used to, take note. Volume changes tend to sneak up gradually — you barely notice, but the people around you do.

4. You’ve noticed a ringing or buzzing that others can’t hear

That persistent ringing, hissing or buzzing sound — known as tinnitus — is often an early warning sign of changes in your hearing. It can come and go, or it can be constant. Even if your hearing otherwise feels fine to you, tinnitus is worth getting assessed by an audiologist sooner rather than later.

5. Social situations have started to feel stressful

When following a conversation requires real effort and concentration, socialising stops feeling enjoyable and starts feeling draining. Many people begin to quietly withdraw — skipping dinner plans, avoiding phone calls, sitting out of group conversations. Over time, that withdrawal can turn into isolation, which is detrimental to your mental health and wellbeing in ways that go far beyond your hearing.

What should you do?

If any of these signs resonate with you, please don’t wait. A hearing test is painless, straightforward and takes less than an hour. At Canberra Audiology, our team is here to give you a clear picture of your hearing health and talk you through your options — with absolutely no pressure and no jargon.

Book your hearing test today — because the sooner you know, the sooner you can do something about it.

16 Napier Close, Deakin 2600

100 Atherton Street, Downer (by appointment only) 

(02) 6156 4474 

reception@canberraaudiology.com.au