8 Common Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects one in six Australians, and it can happen at any age. Because most hearing loss develops slowly over months or years, the person experiencing it is often the last to notice. Family members, friends, and colleagues are frequently the first to spot the signs.
If you recognise one or more of the following signs, it is a good indication that a professional hearing test would be worthwhile.
1. You Frequently Ask People to Repeat Themselves
If you regularly find yourself saying "pardon?", "sorry?", or "can you say that again?", it may be more than just people speaking softly. Constantly needing repetition is one of the earliest and most common signs of hearing difficulty. It often starts in group settings or noisy environments before becoming noticeable in one-on-one conversations.
2. You Struggle in Group Conversations and Noisy Places
Difficulty following conversations in restaurants, at family gatherings, in meetings, or at social events is a strong indicator of hearing loss. Background noise makes it harder to separate speech from other sounds, and even mild hearing loss can make this noticeably difficult. If you find yourself nodding along without truly hearing what is being said, it is worth getting checked.
3. You Turn the TV or Radio Up Higher Than Others Prefer
If family members or housemates frequently ask you to turn the television or radio down, or if you notice the volume setting is consistently higher than it used to be, this is a classic sign of hearing change. Many people gradually increase the volume over time without realising how much it has crept up.
4. You Have Difficulty Hearing on the Phone
Phone conversations remove visual cues like lip movements and facial expressions that normally help you understand speech. If you struggle to hear callers clearly, frequently switch the phone to your other ear, or prefer speakerphone or video calls over standard calls, your hearing may be changing.
5. You Experience Ringing or Buzzing in Your Ears
Tinnitus, the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears when no external sound is present, is very often associated with hearing loss. In fact, approximately 90 per cent of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. If you experience persistent tinnitus, a hearing assessment is strongly recommended. Learn more on our tinnitus assessment page.
6. Others Seem to Mumble or Not Speak Clearly
If it frequently feels like people are mumbling, speaking too fast, or not enunciating clearly, the issue may be with your hearing rather than their speech. Age-related hearing loss typically affects higher frequencies first, which are responsible for the consonant sounds (s, f, th, sh) that give speech its clarity. This is why words may sound loud enough but unclear.
7. You Feel Exhausted After Social Events
Listening with hearing loss requires significant mental effort. Your brain works overtime to fill in the gaps, decode unclear speech, and process sounds. If you regularly feel drained, tired, or headachy after social gatherings, meetings, or long conversations, this "listening fatigue" may be a sign that your hearing is not what it used to be.
8. You Avoid Social Situations
When hearing becomes a challenge, many people unconsciously start withdrawing from social situations. You might decline dinner invitations, avoid group events, or prefer staying home rather than struggling to follow conversations. This social withdrawal can have a significant impact on relationships, mental health, and overall wellbeing. If this sounds familiar, addressing the underlying hearing issue can make a real difference.
What to Do Next
If you identified with one or more of these signs, the most important step is to have a professional hearing assessment. Hearing tests are quick, comfortable, and provide definitive answers about your hearing health.
At SoundClear, our experienced audiologists conduct thorough evaluations and explain your results in clear, everyday language. There is no obligation to purchase anything, and we provide honest, independent advice about your options.
Book a Professional Test
A comprehensive hearing test at our clinic takes about 60 minutes and provides a complete picture of your hearing health. We offer appointments at six convenient Melbourne locations.
Book NowTry Our Online Screener
If you are not quite ready for an in-person test, our free online hearing screener takes just five minutes and can help you decide whether a professional assessment is warranted.
Take the Online TestDo Not Wait to Get Your Hearing Checked
Hearing loss that goes unaddressed can lead to a range of complications beyond simply missing conversations. Research has linked untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, reduced earning potential, and an increased risk of falls in older adults.
The good news is that early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes. Modern hearing technology is more effective, discreet, and comfortable than ever before, and many forms of hearing loss are highly manageable with the right support.
Whether your hearing changes are recent or something you have been noticing for a while, there is no better time to get them checked than now.