The first signs of hearing loss

Any of the following are signs that you might benefit from having your hearing tested and your hearing problems managed:

• You are beginning to find it difficult to hear conversation when you are in a group or where there is background noise
• You may have difficulty understanding the higher pitched voices of women and children.  Higher pitched consonants such as ‘f’, ‘k’, ‘p’, ‘s’, ‘sh’, and ‘t’ may be out of your hearing range
• Those around you have commented on the need to raise their voices or repeat phrases when
  talking to you
• You complain that people are mumbling and not speaking clearly
• You have to turn the TV or radio volume higher than may be acceptable to other family
  members or friends
• You have to concentrate increasingly hard to follow a conversation, which is tiring

If you think you may have a hearing problem, visit your family doctor as a first step. Hearing aids, particularly the new digital models, can offer significantly improved hearing.  They are available free of charge through the NHS or can be purchased privately. 

Your doctor will probably carry out some basic tests to determine whether or not you have a hearing loss. These may involve asking what sounds you can hear. (S)he will also ask questions about the reasons why you believe you may have a hearing loss.

To get an NHS hearing aid, you will be referred to your local audiology clinic or Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) department for further tests.  If it is confirmed that you have a hearing loss, the audiologist or consultant will explain what treatment options are available.