Toby Meadows, Audiologist & Principal
Earlier this year I joined John Darvell on BBC Radio Bristol to talk about hearing loss, and one thing came up again and again. Most people do not realise their hearing has changed until somebody else points it out. It creeps up so gradually that by the time it is noticeable, it has usually been happening for a while. So rather than waiting for someone else to say something, here are five everyday signs worth paying attention to yourself.
1. You keep asking people to repeat themselves
It happens occasionally to everyone, but if it is becoming a regular feature of conversations, particularly with the same one or two people, that is worth noticing. It is often not that people are speaking too quietly, it is that certain sounds are becoming harder to pick out.
2. The television volume keeps creeping up, but people still sound like they are mumbling
Turning up the volume does not always help, because most age related hearing loss affects the higher frequencies first, the consonant sounds like S, T, F and SH that make speech easy to follow. Turn the volume up and everything gets louder, but it does not necessarily get clearer.
3. You are avoiding noisy places
Restaurants and cafes, even family gatherings can be noisy. If you have started quietly steering away from busier environments because following conversation there feels tiring or frustrating, that is a pattern worth paying attention to rather than working around.
4. Someone close to you has mentioned it
This is usually the moment people finally book in, and there is no shame in it. Partners, children and friends often notice before we do ourselves, simply because they are the ones repeating things. If it has come up more than once, it is worth listening.
5. It has been a while since your last check
Hearing changes gradually, so a hearing check every few years is a sensible habit, in the same way you would get your eyes tested. If you cannot remember your last one, that is usually a sign it is due.
What to do next
None of these signs mean there is necessarily a problem, but they are all good reasons to get checked. We offer a straightforward hearing screening at all our clinics, and I have written a separate guide explaining exactly what a screening involves and how it differs from a full assessment, if you would like to read more before booking.
Call us on 01934 248426 to arrange a screening, or drop in to our Worle clinic where walk-ins are welcome daily.
