9 signs you need a hearing test (at any age)

Remember: the sooner hearing loss is picked up, the sooner it can be treated.

By Lana Hallowes

“What was that?” If you’re asking this a little too often lately, then you might be concerned about your hearing. 

While hearing loss can happen at any age, it does become an unfortunate reality for many of us as we get older. 

The impact of hearing loss on daily life can be significant. Communication is more challenging and it can be frustrating in social situations, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to cognitive decline, as the brain struggles to process sounds and maintain cognitive functions.

How hearing gradually declines

It’s surprising then how common hearing loss actually is. Around 17% of the Australian population are hearing impaired (myself included)? 

As we age though, hearing loss becomes even more prevalent.

Over half of us over 60 will have reduced hearing. This increases to 70% of people over 70 and 80% over 80.

It’s therefore recommended that we routinely get our hearing tested once we’re over 55. But if you haven’t got around to this yet, or are experiencing any of the below hearing loss symptoms, then nudge, nudge. It’s time to book it in!

Typical signs of hearing loss

1. Hearing buzzing, ringing, hissing or roaring

Tinnitus is really just an umbrella term for any sound which has no external source. It can include buzzing, ringing, hissing or even roaring. Tinnitus can come and go (for instance, you may have temporarily experienced it after attending a loud concert), but for some it can be persistent.

While there are many causes for it – such as medications, ear infections and even a high salt (sodium) diet – hearing loss is also a big culprit.

2. Feeling like everyone is mumbling

If your world starts sounding muffled or dull – and it seems like everyone is mumbling – it’s a hearing loss red flag. 

It could just mean you have ear wax though, so it’s wise to clear this with ear drops before your hearing test.

3. Misunderstanding or mishearing words

Mishearing even just one word in a sentence can suddenly distort the entire meaning of what’s been said. Take this conversation between a mum with hearing loss and her daughter:

“Hey Mum, should we try that new Thai place for Dad’s birthday?”

“What new high place? A restaurant with a view? Oh he’d like that.”

People who mishear words, generally struggle to hear certain letters. In this case, T sounds.

An online hearing check is a quick way to assess whether you might be mishearing words. If that’s the case, a full hearing test with an audiologist is recommended.

4. Finding everyday places ‘noisy’

Struggling to follow conversations when there is background noise is a common hearing loss indicator. How do you feel following instructions over the background music at the gym? Or having a conversation with a friend on a train? What about in a busy cafe with chatter rising above the hissing of a coffee machine?

If you’d rather eat outside, away from the confusion of the noise, then your brain may be struggling to differentiate between sounds.  

5. Struggling to hear on the phone

When we speak on the phone, it can feel like we don’t hear as well as we do in person. But it’s likely you’ve unknowingly been relying on lip reading and not seeing the mouth formation of the person you’re chatting to means you’re picking up less of the conversation.

If you have trouble hearing on the phone, there are options to help you keep up with the chat. For instance, hearing aids can be Bluetoothed to your phone, making for much easier audio listening and flowing conversations.

6. Asking everyone to repeat themselves

If you need to say, “Pardon?” or “Can you say that again?” often, it could mean that you need repetition to understand what’s been said. That’s because hearing loss can cause a reduction in processing time. 

Try asking others to slow down their speech when talking to you, but also, book a hearing test! 

7. Turning the volume up

If you can’t hear the telly, phone or radio unless you increase the volume (and others tell you it’s too loud), you may be damaging your hearing further. Besides, turning up the volume can further distort the sound, making it even harder to hear.

Hearing aids can really help in this situation. They’re customised to your specific hearing loss and will only amplify the frequencies and sounds you don’t hear – not ALL of them.   

8. Avoiding social situations

Bailing on family and friends is a common behaviour when you live with hearing impairment. 

It’s not because you’ve suddenly developed a dislike for your nearest and dearest. Rather, you know you won’t be able to hear well in a group or over restaurant noise and following the conversation is frustrating and isolating.

Don’t lose your social self – book in for a hearing test instead. 

9. Losing your hearing suddenly

Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears can happen sometimes. It’s often caused by things like wax buildup, ear infection or injury, but other times it happens with no explanation. 

Getting onto this quickly is important, so see your doctor as soon as you can. Prompt action means you could avoid further hearing loss, especially if there’s an underlying issue.

Where to get a hearing test? 

Testing your hearing is the first step towards feeling more connected and engaged with your life and the people in it. All private audiology clinics and some local medical centres, will do hearing tests with qualified audiologists.

‍Hearing Australia has centres all over the country and provides government-funded hearing services.