Identifying Hearing Loss: Signs to Watch Out For
At Arthur Hayes Opticians, we’re delighted to now offer professional hearing Care services alongside our trusted optical care. Just as with your vision, your hearing plays a vital role in how you experience the world—and many people don’t realise their hearing has changed until it begins to affect daily life.
Hearing loss is rarely sudden. In most cases, it develops gradually, often so slowly that it goes unnoticed. Your brain is remarkably good at compensating, filling in the gaps and making you believe everything is still working as it should. In fact, research suggests it can take up to 10 years for many people to recognise that their hearing has declined.
So, how can you tell if your hearing might be changing?
Do you ask people to speak more loudly? Everyone has a different speaking voice, so occasional requests to “speak up” are perfectly normal. But if you’re finding this happens frequently—or more often than it used to—it could be an early sign that your hearing is struggling to pick up certain sounds.
Do you often ask people to repeat themselves? Missing the odd word now and then is natural. However, if you feel like people are constantly mumbling, or you regularly need things repeated, this could point to mild hearing loss.
Is your TV volume creeping up? This can be tricky to notice over time. A helpful tip is to take note of the volume level you usually find comfortable. If you’re consistently turning it up more than before, it may be worth having your hearing checked.
Do you struggle with phone conversations? Telephone audio isn’t always crystal clear, but if you’re finding calls difficult to follow even at full volume, this could be another sign. Many people find video calls clearer, but a professional hearing assessment will give you real clarity.
Are softer sounds harder to hear? There are different types of hearing loss. Some affect all sounds equally, while others reduce clarity—especially of softer sounds like “f,” “s,” or “th.” If words seem blurred or indistinct, particularly in busy environments, this can be a key indicator.
Do you avoid social situations? This is one of the most overlooked signs. People with hearing loss often withdraw from social events, noisy environments, and group conversations because they feel tired, frustrated, or left out. If you’ve noticed this happening, it’s important not to ignore it.
The Good News: Help Is Available. Modern hearing technology has advanced dramatically in recent years. Today’s hearing aids are discreet, intelligent, and highly customisable—nothing like the bulky devices of the past. Many people who were previously put off by hearing aids are pleasantly surprised by what’s now available.
If You Answered ‘Yes’ to Any of These…
If any of these situations sound familiar, we strongly recommend booking a professional hearing assessment. The earlier hearing loss is identified, the easier it is to manage—and the better the long-term outcome.
At Arthur Hayes Opticians, we’re proud to have launched our Hearing Care service in partnership with experienced audiology professionals. We offer:
Complimentary hearing assessments
Advanced, personalised hearing aid solutions
Ear wax removal
Tinnitus support
Hearing protection for work, music, and sport
Your hearing test is complimentary, simple, and non-invasive. Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind.
Hearing clinics run every Friday
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