Signs & symptoms of hearing loss

The first signs of hearing loss may not always be obvious. It’s often easier, and less stressful, to dismiss a hearing problem as a temporary ailment. Or as something we would rather learn to live with than find out more about.

It’s important to know that most hearing loss gets worse over time. The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the greater your chances of preventing further hearing loss - and gaining the best possible results from the right hearing treatment.

If you answer "yes" to several of the following questions, its time to talk to your hearing health professional:

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially where there’s background noise
• Frequently ask people to repeat what they've said
• Misunderstanding what people say
• Finding it difficult to hear on the telephone
• Turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others in the room prefer
• Feeling that people are mumbling when they talk
• Having difficulty hearing sounds of nature, such as birds chirping or rain falling
• Agreeing or nodding your head during conversations when you're not sure what's been said
• Removing yourself from conversations because it's too difficult to hear
• Reading lips so you can try to follow what people are saying
• Straining to hear or keep up with conversations
• Experiencing tinnitus (a persistent ringing, buzzing or other sound)