It can sometimes be difficult to tell if your hearing has changed, and in some cases, people around you might notice before you do. It can be especially tricky to recognise hearing loss symptoms if you have hearing loss in one ear but can still hear perfectly with the other.
Here, you’ll find the common signs and symptoms that you can look out for – either for yourself or a loved one.
Common signs and symptoms of hearing loss
Different types of hearing loss can have different symptoms but, in general, if any of these situations sound familiar, it can be a sign that your hearing has changed:
- You have the TV or radio volume uncomfortably loud for other people
- You find it difficult to hear dialogue at the cinema or theatre
- Phone conversations are hard work
- You ask people to repeat things or misunderstand what they say
- You find having conversations quite tiring
- You have difficulty following conversations in groups
- You feel isolated because you cannot hear properly
- You avoid situations that you used to enjoy because of the way you hear
- Someone suggests you might not be hearing as well as you used to
- You struggle to hear high-pitched sounds (e.g. children’s voices or birds)
- You notice ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
If you recognise any of these situations in yourself or someone you know, it might be a good idea to come and see us for a hearing test and some expert advice.
At Specsavers, hearing tests are completely free with no obligation to purchase a hearing aid.
Symptoms of mixed hearing loss
There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive and mixed. Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems with the outer or middle ear; sensorineural hearing loss is caused by problems with the inner ear. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both.
For example, someone with conductive hearing loss may experience further hearing loss as they age, or an older person with presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) whose ear canal is blocked by excess earwax might have extra hearing loss until the wax is cleared.
The symptoms of mixed hearing loss are the same as those of general hearing loss, like increasing the volume of the TV or struggling with phone conversations.
What are the early warning signs of hearing loss?
Early symptoms of hearing loss are often subtle and easy to overlook. You might not realise your hearing has changed until it starts to affect daily life.
Some of the earliest signs include:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up the volume higher than usual
- Struggling to follow group conversations
Recognising these early signs can help you seek support before your hearing worsens.
How to find out if you have hearing loss
All types of hearing loss tend to have a lot of overlapping symptoms, so it’s best to have a full hearing test to determine the type of hearing loss you might have and decide the right kind of treatment for you.
If you’re unsure whether your hearing has changed, ask yourself:
- Do conversations feel more difficult than they used to?
- Do others comment on your hearing?
- Do you avoid social situations because of hearing difficulties?
If you answer yes to any of these, it could indicate hearing loss. The best way to know for certain is to take a hearing test.
To start with, you could use our free online tool to get a quick idea of your hearing, or you can book a free hearing test with one of our experts in-store.
When should I see a hearing specialist?
You should consider seeing a hearing specialist if:
- Your hearing difficulties are persistent or worsening
- You experience sudden hearing loss
- You have tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Hearing issues are affecting your daily life or relationships
Getting your hearing checked early can help identify the cause and prevent further deterioration.