6 Signs You Need A Hearing Test

There are approximately 11 million people in the UK who suffer from hearing loss, which makes it the second most common disability in the country. The good news is that many hearing problems are treatable. Do you feel your hearing is getting gradually worse? Have you ever thought 'Do I need a hearing test'? This blog post will explore 6 common hearing loss symptoms that might indicate you should book a test. Noticing the early signs of hearing loss is crucial for preventing further damage. Don't wait any longer, take charge of your ear health and get your ears tested today! Take advantage and find out more about our free hearing test screening here.

1. Buzzing Or Ringing In The Ear

If you are experiencing a constant buzzing, hissing, or ringing in your ears, this is called Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a phantom noise that may come and go or be permanent. While age and exposure to loud noises are common causes, Tinnitus can cause ear infections and also be a sign of other health issues, particularly those affecting your circulation. Around 30% of people in the UK, including children, will experience tinnitus at some point. But that rises to 80% of people who have severe hearing loss. It's a good idea to speak to a qualified audiologist if you have any symptoms of Tinnitus.

2. Asking People To Repeat Themselves

You might find yourself constantly asking people to repeat themselves. If you struggle to keep up with conversations, especially in noisy or busy environments, this can be a red flag and a sign of hearing loss. Straining to understand conversations can lead to missed details and awkward replies. This social discomfort might even make you avoid noisy gatherings like nights out or family events, leaving you feeling isolated. 

Did you know? 1 in 6 of the UK adult population are affected by hearing loss. You are not alone, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

3. TV Volume Creeping Up

Hearing loss can affect your perception of certain frequencies, particularly softer tones and higher pitches. This often leads to muffled or missing sounds during TV viewing. A common hearing loss symptom is struggling to follow the dialogue on TV and a gradual need to increase the volume can indicate declining hearing health. Did you know its recommended to get regular hearing tests if you're aged over 50 or any age if you regularly suffer from ear infections or earwax build up.

4. Headaches Or Tiredness From Listening

Even mild hearing loss can cause headaches and fatigue which stems from the added strain of struggling to hear properly. This listening fatigue can cause problems and social challenges. If you're noticing these symptoms along with other indications of sound impairment, it's essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional. A comprehensive assessment can help treat or manage any underlying concerns. Find out about our tests and what technology we use to detect hearing issues here.

5. Missing Day To Day Sounds 

Do you have difficulty with important sounds, such as alarms or phone calls? This may suggest an underlying problem. Regular hearing tests are crucial to detect any issues with your hearing, ensuring that you remain alert to important sounds in your daily life. Taking proactive steps to address potential hearing loss is vital for a healthier and more engaged lifestyle. By recognising these warning signs early and booking a test, you can make informed decisions about your auditory health. Don't let hearing loss go unnoticed - book a test for adults online here and take the first step towards better, healthier ears.
​
Its important that sudden hearing loss be treated quickly read our blog on sudden hearing loss for more information on what to do.

6. Friends Or Family Mention Your Hearing

Ever had a loved one playfully nudge you about needing the TV volume a little lower? or that you should get your ears checked out? The good news is that your friends and family are just looking out for you! Don't be afraid to take their gentle nudges as a chance to get a hearing test, you may need treatment or to look at hearing aid options. It's a simple step that could significantly improve your hearing loss and ability to connect with and enjoy the sounds around you.​

Additional Signs In Children 

Children can often experience hearing loss; it can be harder for them to explain due to their age or not fully understanding exactly what is going on with their hearing. Its important to monitor how your child listens to sounds and monitor if a child's hearing is getting worse. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

• Difficulty following instructions
• Delayed speech and language development
• Responding inappropriately to questions
• Talking very loudly
• Attention difficulties
• Being startled easily
• Struggling to hear a toy or computer screen
• Struggling to respond when background noise is present

​
Read our blog on hearing loss in children for more information. We can offer hearing test for children over 5 years old.

​Do I Need A Hearing Test?

​Wondering if it’s time to get your ears checked? or how to check your ear health? If you’ve noticed any of the signs above—or even smaller changes like difficulty hearing soft voices, trouble locating where sounds are coming from, or feeling like people mumble more than they used to—it’s worth considering a test. Hearing loss often develops gradually, so you might not realise how much you’re missing until it’s pointed out.

​A hearing test is quick, painless, and can give you peace of mind or a clear path forward, you may just need ear wax removal to remove any blockages within the middle ear area. We offer ear wax removal in Truro Cornwall so get in touch to book your appointment. Anyone can benefit from a hearing check, but it’s especially important if you’re over 50, have a history of loud noise exposure, or experience frequent inner ear and middle ear issues. Why not take the guesswork out of it and book a test today?

​When Do You Need Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids aren’t for everyone with hearing loss, but they can be life-changing if your difficulties start impacting your day to day life. If you've noticed signs you should get your ears checked its time to book a test! You might need hearing aids if a test shows moderate to severe hearing loss, or if you’re consistently struggling to understand speech clearly, even in quiet settings. Other signs include relying heavily on lip-reading, feeling exhausted from trying to follow conversations, or withdrawing from social activities due to social challenges.

​An audiologist will assess your hearing test results and lifestyle needs to determine if aids are right for you. Modern aids are discreet, advanced, and tailored to your specific hearing profile—could they be the solution you’ve been waiting for?

Book A Hearing Test With K & M Hearing Solutions

Get in touch today if you are having trouble hearing different sounds, sudden hearing loss or discomfort issues, we are clinically trained in all aspects of audiology so you are in safe hands. Click the button below to find out about our 3 types of hearing tests, exactly what happens during a hearing test, along with pricing information or book a hearing test online here. Once your hearing test is done we advice on the next steps which could be ear wax removal, hearing aids or other treatments for hearing loss.

hearing tests