Blog: Signs You Might Need a Hearing Test by Dr A. G. Umolu

Don’t ignore the early whispers—your ears might be telling you something important.

Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight. It tends to creep in slowly, often unnoticed—until one day you realise the TV is blaring, conversations seem muffled, or you’re nodding along without hearing what’s been said.

About 18 million people in the UK are deaf, living with hearing loss or tinnitus — that’s about one in three of us. And yet, many wait years before seeking help. Men are almost twice as likely as women to have hearing loss among adults ages 20-69. A simple hearing test can be a life-changing first step. If you’re wondering whether it’s time, here are the signs to watch out for.

“What?”/ “Pardon?” become your most-used words

You frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Whether at home, at work, or out and about, constantly needing clarification could signal a change in your hearing.

Crowded rooms become confusing

Struggling to follow conversations in noisy places? Background noise can overwhelm those with hearing loss. Restaurants, parties, and family gatherings may become frustrating instead of fun.

“I started avoiding busy places because I couldn’t keep up with the chat. I didn’t realise it was my hearing.” —Anna, 64

Your TV volume is everyone else’s problem

If family or flatmates keep asking you to turn the TV down, it could be a clue. When you need higher volume than others, your hearing might not be as sharp as it used to be.

You’re avoiding social situations

Withdrawal from social life can be a subtle symptom. Many people with hearing loss begin to avoid group settings where listening is a challenge.

You hear a ringing that no one else does

Tinnitus—a ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears—can be linked to hearing damage or loss. While not always serious, it’s a good reason to get your ears checked.

You dread phone calls

On the phone, voices may sound distant or distorted. If you’re struggling with clarity—even with the volume turned up—this might be a hearing issue.

You feel tired from trying to listen

Straining to hear can be exhausting. If conversations leave you mentally drained, your brain may be working overtime to fill in the gaps.

Other people are noticing

Often, family or friends spot hearing issues before we do. If someone mentions you’re missing parts of conversations or turning the TV up too loud, listen to them—it’s coming from a place of care.

Why it matters

Left untreated, hearing loss doesn’t just affect communication. It can impact mental wellbeing, lead to social isolation, and is linked to memory and cognitive decline.

But there’s good news: hearing care is more advanced than ever. Discreet, effective hearing aids and early intervention can significantly improve quality of life.

A hearing test is:

• Quick and painless
• Often free on the NHS or via high street providers
• The first step to better hearing health

For a complimentary initial hearing screening, please visit East Sussex Hearing.

Hear better, live better

Don’t wait until the signs become impossible to ignore. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, consider booking a hearing test. Whether it confirms a problem or offers peace of mind, your ears—and your future self—will thank you.

References

1.    National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) – Hearing Loss
2.    Action on Hearing Loss – Facts and Figures
3.    Mayo Clinic – Hearing Loss: Symptoms and Causes
4.    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Signs of Hearing Loss
5.    World Health Organization – Deafness and Hearing Loss

Published: May 8, 2025