7 Signs It's Time for a Hearing Test
Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition among older adults, yet many people don't realize their hearing is declining until it starts affecting their daily lives.
It often creeps in slowly. First, conversations in crowded rooms become harder to follow, then family members start complaining about the TV volume, and before long, even a ringing phone goes unnoticed.
The good news? Hearing tests can catch these issues early, allowing for better communication and an improved quality of life. If you've noticed any of the hearing loss symptoms below, it might be time to schedule a hearing assessment and take control of your hearing health.
1. Struggling to Follow Conversations in Noisy Settings
Some places are naturally louder (e.g. restaurants, family gatherings, or social events) but if you often have trouble keeping up with conversations in these environments, that could be a sign of hearing loss. Background noise tends to make it harder to separate speech from other sounds, forcing the brain to work overtime just to understand what people are saying.
This often leads to:
- Exhaustion after social events
- Frustration from missing words
- Frequent misunderstandings
If you find yourself relying on lip reading or context clues to fill in gaps, it might be time for a senior auditory assessment to determine if your hearing has changed.
2. Frequently Asking Others to Repeat Themselves
Most people don't mind repeating themselves every now and then, but if you constantly ask, it can signal hearing issues. You might notice this more when speaking with soft-spoken individuals or people with higher-pitched voices, like children or women.
Struggling to hear certain frequencies is often one of the first signs of hearing decline. If family and friends have started pointing out that you don't hear as well as you used to, it's worth paying attention.
This is one of the key hearing evaluation indicators that suggests a hearing test might be necessary.
3. Turning Up the Volume on the TV or Radio
If family members or visitors frequently ask you to turn the volume down, you might be compensating for hearing loss. Many people don't realize how loud they've set their TV or radio until someone else points it out.
Simply increasing the volume doesn't always solve the problem. Voices may still sound unclear, and distinguishing between different sounds (like dialogue and background music) can be difficult. This is one reason early detection of hearing issues is so important.
Catching hearing loss early can help prevent further deterioration.
4. Difficulty Hearing on the Phone
Phones remove visual cues like lip reading and facial expressions, making it harder for someone with hearing loss to follow conversations. If phone calls have become frustrating or you frequently misunderstand what's being said, your hearing could be declining.
Some people assume the issue is with the phone itself, but if the problem happens with multiple devices or only when speaking with certain individuals, it might be your hearing. Regular hearing tests can help identify whether the problem is related to hearing loss rather than poor phone quality.
You might notice:
- Frequently asking callers to repeat themselves
- Struggling more with certain voices, particularly softer or higher-pitched ones
- Avoiding phone calls because they feel too exhausting
- Switching to speakerphone or increasing the volume to hear better
5. Feeling Isolated or Withdrawing from Social Events
If you've started avoiding conversations, declining invitations, or feeling anxious in group settings, hearing loss might be playing a role. Many people don't realize that they've begun withdrawing until they reflect on how their social life has changed.
Struggling to keep up in conversations can be discouraging, leading some people to isolate themselves rather than constantly ask for clarification. Over time, this can affect mental and emotional well-being.
A study published in the Journals of Gerontology shows that untreated hearing loss increases the risk of dementia and depression.
Some warning signs include:
- Feeling disconnected in group conversations
- Avoiding social gatherings because they feel overwhelming
- Choosing to sit out of discussions rather than ask people to repeat themselves
- Noticing a decline in confidence when engaging with others
At Bennett Place Assisted Living, we recognize the importance of social engagement in maintaining overall well-being. Our lively social calendar, group activities, and welcoming community spaces make it easier for residents to stay connected, even if hearing changes over time.
6. Noticing Ringing in Your Ears (Tinnitus)
Hearing loss doesn't always mean sounds are quieter. It can also mean you hear things that aren't there. Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, is a common issue that often accompanies hearing loss.
While tinnitus can come and go, persistent ringing may indicate underlying hearing damage. It's sometimes caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises, but it can also be a natural part of aging and hearing care.
Many people with tinnitus don't realize it's a sign of hearing decline until they have a professional assessment.
7. Missing Everyday Sounds
Everyday sounds, like birds chirping, a doorbell ringing, or footsteps approaching, might seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in awareness. If you've noticed that the world seems quieter or that you miss certain sounds entirely, this could be a sign of gradual hearing decline.
Hearing loss often develops slowly, which means you might not realize what you're missing at first. However, once you start recognizing gaps in what you hear, it's worth considering senior auditory assessments to check your hearing health.
Common sounds that may become harder to hear:
- Doorbells, alarm clocks, or timers
- Conversations from another room
- Birds, crickets, or other nature sounds
- The voices of young children or people speaking softly
Is it Time You Considered Hearing Tests?
Even mild hearing loss can have a major impact on communication, social engagement, and overall well-being. Recognizing the early signs and scheduling hearing tests can help prevent frustration and keep you connected to the people and activities you love.
At Bennett Place Assisted Living, we believe that every resident deserves to live life to the fullest. Our chef-prepared meals, vibrant social calendar, and cozy apartment homes with kitchenettes and ample natural light create an inviting and supportive environment. Our full-time caregiving team and Director of Health provide compassionate support tailored to individual needs.
Schedule a tour today and see how life at Bennett Place can keep you engaged and thriving.