5 signs you might be losing your hearing

Hearing loss can creep up gradually, making it easy to dismiss early warning signs as minor inconveniences. However, recognising these signals early can make all the difference in preserving your quality of life and seeking the right support. Here are five common signs that you might be experiencing hearing loss.

1. Frequently asking people to repeat themselves

Do you often find yourself saying, “Pardon?” or “Could you repeat that?” in conversations? While occasional misunderstandings are normal, consistently needing clarification could indicate a problem with your hearing.

Many people with hearing loss struggle with clarity, especially when there’s background noise or when multiple people are speaking.

2. Turning up the volume on the TV or radio

Have family members or friends mentioned that your TV or radio is too loud? One of the earliest signs of hearing loss is a need to increase the volume to hear clearly. If you find yourself reaching for the remote more often than not, it might be worth having your hearing checked.

3. Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments

Social settings like restaurants, busy offices, or parties can be challenging for those with hearing loss. Struggling to pick out voices over ambient noise or feeling fatigued after trying to focus on conversations could be an indication of reduced hearing.

4. Missing everyday sounds

Can you hear birds chirping, the ticking of a clock, or someone calling your name from another room? Losing the ability to detect subtle sounds is another common early sign of hearing loss.

Pay attention to the everyday noises around you—if they’re fading or disappearing altogether, it’s time to take action.

5. Ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)

A persistent ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in your ears is known as tinnitus and is often associated with hearing loss. While tinnitus can also occur for other reasons, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist if it becomes a regular issue.

What to do if you recognise these signs

If any of these points resonate with you, don’t ignore them. The earlier you address potential hearing loss, the more options you’ll have to maintain your hearing health.

Schedule a hearing test: A professional audiologist can evaluate your hearing and recommend the best course of action.
Protect your ears: Avoid loud environments or wear ear protection to prevent further damage.
Consider assistive technology: From hearing aids to live captioning services, there are many ways to stay connected and involved in conversations.

Support is available

At 121 Captions, we’re committed to helping individuals with hearing loss lead full, independent lives. Whether it’s through captioning services, oral translation, or deaf awareness training, we’re here to provide the tools and resources you need.

Hearing loss doesn’t have to hold you back. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you on your journey to better hearing and communication.