Is it time to book a hearing test?

When is it time to book a hearing test? Here are the signs to watch out for:

Whether it is for yourself, or for a relative or loved one, there may come a time when you realise that your hearing is not as good as it once was.

Hearing loss is a natural part of ageing, that’s why we offer free hearing tests to everybody aged 55 and over. Statistics show that in the UK more than 40% of over 50’s have hearing loss. By the age of 70, over 70% of people have hearing loss[1]. But how can you tell if you could actually benefit from a hearing test and potentially some hearing aids to help?

We asked our network of audiologists for their expert advice and have put together a list of signs to watch out for that will help you decide whether you should book a hearing test.

There are several common signs that it is time to book a hearing test. An excellent starting point is to ask yourself or your loved one the following questions?

• Are you having difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments?
• Are you often asking people to repeat themselves?
• Are you noticing that people seem to be mumbling and not speaking clearly?
• Are you turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than usual?
• Have you started needing to use subtitles on the television?
• Are you having trouble understanding what is being said on the phone?
• Are you starting to feel more tired or drained after conversations?
• Do you have ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)?
• Have you found yourself withdrawing from social activities because of difficulty hearing?

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to book a hearing test as soon as possible. Early detection of hearing loss is important, so that it can be managed effectively. If you are unsure whether or not you need a hearing test, it is always best to err on the side of caution and book an appointment. Find an audiologist local to you on our local practice finder page.

[1] Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). (2023) Prevalence of deafness and hearing loss. RNID [Online].