5 Signs You Need a Hearing Test

Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss the early warning signs. Many people don’t realise they have a hearing problem until it significantly impacts their daily life. Here are five signs that suggest it’s time to book a hearing test.

1. You Frequently Ask People to Repeat Themselves

One of the most common early signs of hearing loss is finding yourself regularly asking “What?” or “Can you say that again?” If you notice this happening multiple times a day, especially in conversations with people who don’t mumble, it could indicate that your hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be.

This is particularly telling if:

It happens with different people, not just one quiet speaker
You struggle more with certain voices (often higher-pitched ones)
You feel like people are mumbling even when they’re speaking normally

2. Difficulty Following Conversations in Noisy Environments

Struggling to follow conversations in restaurants, pubs, or social gatherings is a classic sign of hearing loss. Background noise makes it harder for everyone to hear, but people with hearing loss find these situations particularly challenging.

If you find yourself:

Avoiding social situations because hearing is too difficult
Feeling exhausted after trying to follow conversations
Nodding along without actually understanding what’s being said
Preferring to meet people in quiet places

…it’s worth having your hearing checked.

3. Turning Up the TV or Radio Louder Than Others Prefer

When family members or housemates complain that you have the TV too loud, it’s a strong indicator of potential hearing loss. What sounds comfortable to you might be uncomfortably loud for others with normal hearing.

Ask yourself:

Do others turn the volume down after you’ve been watching?
Do you use subtitles more than you used to?
Do you struggle to hear dialogue clearly, even at higher volumes?

4. Missing Everyday Sounds

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect speech - it can mean missing environmental sounds that others hear easily. Think about whether you’ve recently:

Missed the doorbell or phone ringing
Not heard someone approaching from behind
Failed to notice birdsong or other nature sounds
Missed alarms or timers going off

These everyday sounds are easy to take for granted, but missing them regularly could signal a hearing issue.

5. Feeling Like People Mumble or Don’t Speak Clearly

If you frequently feel that people don’t speak as clearly as they used to, the problem might actually be with your hearing rather than their speech. High-frequency hearing loss - the most common type - makes it harder to distinguish consonant sounds, which can make speech sound unclear or mumbled.

Signs to watch for:

Confusing similar-sounding words
Hearing speech but not understanding it clearly
Finding some voices easier to understand than others
Struggling to understand speech on the phone

Why Early Hearing Testing Matters

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s important to get your hearing tested sooner rather than later. Research shows that:

The brain adapts better when hearing loss is addressed early
Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia
Social isolation often increases when hearing difficulties go unaddressed
Modern hearing aids are most effective when fitted early

What Happens During a Hearing Test?

A professional hearing test is straightforward and painless. It typically includes:

A discussion about your hearing concerns and medical history
An examination of your ears to check for blockages
A series of listening tests to assess your hearing at different frequencies
A clear explanation of your results and any recommendations

The whole process usually takes about 45-60 minutes, and you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your hearing health.

Take the First Step

If you’ve recognised yourself in any of these signs, don’t wait to get your hearing tested. The earlier you address any hearing difficulties, the better the outcomes.

At Gloucester Hearing, we provide comprehensive hearing assessments to give you a complete picture of your hearing health. Request a callback today to speak with one of our hearing specialists.