Recognising Hearing Loss
Early signs and when to get a hearing test
Do conversations seem less clear than they used to? Perhaps you are turning up the television, asking people to repeat themselves or finding it difficult to follow a chat in a busy café.
These can be early signs of hearing loss. Changes often happen gradually, making them easy to put down to background noise or other people mumbling. You do not need to be certain that something is wrong before asking for advice.
At Egan’s Hearing Centre, we help people understand their hearing and explore the support that suits them. This guide explains what to look out for and when to take the next step.
Common signs of hearing loss
Conversations are harder to follow
You may hear someone speaking but miss parts of their words, particularly when several people are talking. Asking for repetition more often, losing track of a conversation or struggling on the phone can be reasons to have your hearing checked.
The television volume keeps creeping up
If family members regularly say the television or radio is too loud, it may be worth paying attention. You might also find yourself relying more on subtitles to follow dialogue.
People seem to mumble
Hearing loss is not always about sounds becoming quieter. Some sounds can become muffled or distorted, making speech harder to understand even when you can hear a voice. Simply increasing the volume may not solve the difficulty.
You feel less comfortable joining in
You may begin to feel frustrated or left out during group conversations, or avoid social occasions because following what people say has become difficult. These changes matter, even if you manage well in quieter settings.
You notice ringing or buzzing
Tinnitus means hearing a sound, such as ringing, buzzing or hissing, when there is no outside source. It can occur with hearing loss, but does not prove that hearing loss is present. Speak to your GP if it is frequent, worsening or affecting your sleep or concentration.
These signs are reasons to seek advice, not a way to diagnose yourself. A professional assessment can help establish what is happening.
When to arrange a hearing test
Arrange a hearing assessment if you notice persistent changes, or if someone close to you has raised concerns. You do not have to wait until hearing becomes a major difficulty.
Hearing changes can have different causes, including age-related changes, noise exposure, earwax or infection. Some causes are treatable; others may benefit from hearing support. An assessment helps identify the appropriate next step.
If your hearing is getting worse quickly over days or weeks, or you also have ear pain or discharge, seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for a routine hearing appointment.
Sudden hearing loss needs immediate medical attention
If your hearing drops suddenly in one or both ears, over hours or up to three days, seek medical help immediately. Contact your GP or out-of-hours service for urgent assessment, or attend an emergency department. Do not wait for a routine hearing test or assume the problem is earwax.
Sudden hearing loss can feel like a blocked ear and may occur with ringing or dizziness. If you have tinnitus with sudden hearing loss, the HSE advises emergency care. Prompt assessment matters because some causes need time-sensitive treatment.
What happens during a hearing assessment
A hearing appointment is an opportunity to explain what you have noticed and ask questions. An audiologist, a professional trained to assess hearing, will talk through your symptoms and hearing history.
Depending on your needs, an assessment may include:
An examination of your ears to check the ear canals and eardrums.
Listening to sounds at different pitches and volumes through headphones.
Speech tests to assess how clearly you hear and understand words.
A middle-ear test to check how your eardrum moves.
Your results may be shown on an audiogram, a chart of the quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches. Your audiologist will explain the findings and whether further medical assessment or hearing support is recommended. [6]
Having a hearing test does not automatically mean you need hearing aids. The first step is to understand your hearing and discuss your options.
Noticing changes in someone you love
A partner or family member may notice hearing difficulties first. Choose a quiet moment to raise the subject gently, focusing on a specific situation rather than making a judgement.
You might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been harder to follow conversations when we’re out. Would you like me to come with you to have your hearing checked?”
While you are talking together, face the person, reduce background noise and speak clearly without shouting. Small changes can make conversation easier.
Signs of hearing difficulties in children
Children may not be able to explain that they are struggling to hear. Signs can include not responding when called, asking for repetition, turning up the television or difficulties with speech and language development. These can have other explanations, so a hearing check is more useful than guessing.
If you are concerned, speak to your GP or public health nurse about an appropriate assessment. A child who passed newborn hearing screening can still develop hearing difficulties later.
Common questions about hearing loss
Can I have hearing loss if I still hear some sounds clearly
Yes. Hearing loss can affect some pitches more than others. You may hear certain sounds clearly while finding speech difficult to understand, particularly in background noise.
Is hearing loss only a concern for older people
No. Hearing loss can happen at any age. Loud sound at work or during leisure activities can damage hearing, so persistent changes deserve attention whatever your age.
How often should I have my hearing checked
The right interval depends on your hearing, symptoms and exposure to noise. Your audiologist can recommend a suitable schedule. If you notice a new change, seek advice rather than waiting for your next planned check.
Book a hearing assessment with Egan’s Hearing Centre
If any of these signs feel familiar, you can take the next step without having all the answers. Our team can help you arrange an appropriate hearing appointment and explain what to expect.
Egan’s Hearing Centre offers hearing care at clinics across Cork and Munster. Whether you are concerned about your own hearing or supporting someone close to you, get in touch to discuss a suitable appointment.
Call (021) 427 6414 or email reception@eganshearing.ie
This article is for general information only and is not substitute for individual medical advice. If you are concerned about your hearing,please speak with a qualified hearing professional.
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