Signs and symptoms of hearing loss

Laura James | Published 19 January 2023 | Updated 15 August 2024 | 6 mins read

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects over 55% of those 75 and older but can affect anyone at any age. The causes for hearing loss can vary from person to person – from ageing to attending many too-loud concerts – and so can the symptoms. But there are some things to keep an eye out for to help indicate hearing loss to you and your loved ones.

It’s vital to spot the signs of hearing loss as early as possible to ensure measures are taken to preserve your hearing and restore your quality of life. Read on to learn more about the signs of hearing loss and what to do about it.

What are the signs of hearing loss in adults?

There are many signs of hearing loss in adults, and everyone will have a mixture of different symptoms. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with them all when spotting hearing loss in yourself or others.

Others complaining the TV is too loud

You may have noticed that you need your television, radio, or music to be turned up much louder than usual, perhaps even to the point that other people complain about it being too loud.

Thinking that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly

To someone living with hearing loss, it can seem like some people don’t speak clearly or mumble. In reality, they are losing the ability to distinguish certain sounds in speech, which makes it sound as though those around them are not enunciating clearly.

Mother, walking with baby, talking on the phone and can't hear anything.

Having to ask people to repeat what they’ve said

A hearing-impaired individual often asks people to repeat themselves, or those around them may have to repeat something several times before it’s acknowledged. Additionally, you may have problems understanding people when they’re speaking to you, needing to face the speaker to watch their lips and facial expressions to help understand what’s being said.

Having difficulty hearing people on the phone

Relying on watching a speaker’s face can make telephone conversations extremely difficult. They can be extremely frustrating for both parties, which may mean they are eventually avoided altogether.

Avoiding noisy environments like restaurants or pubs

Individuals with hearing loss may choose to avoid noisy environments, including social gatherings. High levels of background noise can make it even more difficult to pick out what a single person is saying, so even a conversation around a busy dinner table can feel very isolating.

Experiencing ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears

Experiencing a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears (called tinnitus) is common in many people who are experiencing hearing loss. The sounds can interfere with your ability to hear and comprehend conversations or television shows, for example.

What are the signs of hearing loss in children?

Hearing loss can present a little different in children so knowing what to look for is vital – especially if they are too young to tell you themselves.

View of a little girl from behind, swinging alone on a swing in a park, surrounded by greenery.

Experiencing frequent communication breakdowns

Delayed language skills and abnormal speech are both common symptoms of hearing loss in children leading to a breakdown in communication skills.

Not seeking out where sound is coming from

If your child doesn’t try to seek out sounds like clicking fingers, clapping, or their name, it could be due to hearing loss issues.

Not reacting to loud sounds

Similarly to the above, if your child doesn’t react to loud, sudden sounds that would normally make someone jump, it could be due to hearing loss.

A little girl sitting at her desk in school, looking bored and lost in thought, with her head resting on her hand.

Having problems keeping up at school

Issues keeping up with school and their peers are another indication that your child might not have a normal range of hearing as it can impact their comprehension and attention span in lessons.

Insisting on listening to devices at a high volume

Just as with adults, if your child insists on listening to their devices, television, or radio at a very loud volume, it could be due to issues with their hearing.

A little boy crying and shouting while holding his mother's hand, who is attentively listening to him with a concerned expression.

Not paying attention to conversations

A low attention span is also an indication of hearing loss in children. If your child doesn’t pay attention to conversations that include them, it’s time to take them to get a hearing test.

Symptoms of hearing loss in young children

Young children such as newborns and infants will typically respond to sounds long before they can communicate through speech. If your baby has hearing loss, you may find that they don’t:

Get startled or upset by sudden, loud noises
Recognise their parents’ voices by the age of 3 months
Seek out sounds by the age of 6 months
Imitate simple words and sounds by the age of 12 months

What should you do if you suspect hearing loss?

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have hearing loss, or you’ve noticed one or more of the signs we outlined in this article, then it could be time to book a hearing test or a doctor’s appointment for children under the age of 18. Locate your nearest THCP hearing centre and book in for a free hearing assessment. Our friendly, expert audiologisits will perform your hearing test and assess your level of hearing loss and whether regular monitoring or hearing aids will be the best option for you.

We understand that speaking to someone about their hearing loss can be a difficult subject to broach which is why we also have a helpful guide to help. Check out How Do I Talk to Someone About Their Hearing Loss for tips on how to gently and sensitively discuss the potential need for hearing aids with your loved ones.

When to see a doctor

If you notice a sudden change or loss of hearing, particularly in one ear, or you notice pain, bleeding, or excessive fluid coming from one or both of your ears, it’s time to see a doctor. There are many different causes of hearing loss, but any sudden bouts should be taken seriously and immediately investigated to help ensure your hearing remains intact and functioning as best as possible.

Book your free hearing test today Find a THCP hearing centre near you