5 Signs It Might Be Time for a Hearing Test
Hearing changes often happen gradually, which means they can be surprisingly easy to miss. You may not notice a difference yourself at first — sometimes family and friends notice it before you do.
Having your hearing checked can help you understand your hearing health and identify any changes early.
Here are five common signs that it may be time to book a hearing assessment.
1. You often ask people to repeat themselves
Do you find yourself saying “Sorry?” or “Could you say that again?” more often than you used to?
Difficulty following everyday conversations can be one of the first signs that your hearing may have changed.
2. The TV volume keeps creeping up
If you regularly increase the television volume — particularly if family members or friends tell you it is too loud — it could be worth having your hearing checked.
Because hearing changes can happen gradually, you may become accustomed to a higher volume without noticing.
3. Conversations are harder in busy places
Restaurants, cafés, family gatherings and other busy environments can make conversations more difficult to follow.
If you can hear that someone is speaking but struggle to make out exactly what they're saying when there is background noise, a hearing assessment may help identify why.
4. People seem to be mumbling
It isn't always that other people have suddenly started mumbling.
You might hear someone's voice but find that certain words aren't as clear as they once were. This can make conversations more tiring and lead to frequent misunderstandings.
5. You're starting to avoid conversations or social situations
Struggling to follow conversations can make social situations feel tiring or frustrating.
You may find yourself becoming quieter in group conversations or avoiding certain social situations altogether.
If this sounds familiar, it may be worth checking whether your hearing is contributing to the difficulty.
When was the last time you had your hearing checked?
If you've noticed one or more of these signs, a hearing assessment can give you a clearer picture of your hearing health.
At Andrew Bird Hearing, our team provides personalised, independent hearing care and can talk you through your hearing and the options available to you.