Do people seem to mumble? Are you turning up the volume more often? These subtle clues could point to hearing loss. Find out when it’s time to book a hearing check.
Hearing loss doesn’t always arrive with a bang. In many cases, it sneaks in — softly, gradually, and quietly enough that you might not notice right away.
Hearing changes are a natural part of aging, but they can also affect people of any age due to noise exposure, illness, or other underlying conditions. The good news? Early detection makes a world of difference, not just for your ears, but for your quality of life.
Here are some subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that it may be time to schedule a hearing test.
🔊 Turning Up the Volume More Often
If the TV, radio, or phone calls are suddenly too quiet, and others are commenting on how loud your settings are, it may not be the device.
👀 What to watch for: Needing to raise the volume frequently, or feeling like others can hear your devices more clearly than you can.
💡 Pro tip: If others mention the volume before you do, that’s a signal worth listening to.
🗣️ Struggling to Hear in Group Conversations
One-on-one chats may still feel fine, but crowded restaurants, meetings, or social settings might leave you asking people to repeat themselves — or nodding along even when you’re unsure what was said.
💬 Sound familiar? You’re mentally filling in the blanks during conversations or avoiding noisy places altogether.
💡 Pro tip: Hearing loss often affects certain frequencies first, making group dialogue especially challenging. A hearing test can clarify where the drop-off begins.
📞 Phone Calls Feel Muffled or Frustrating
It’s one thing to have bad reception, but if most phone calls feel difficult to follow, and you’re constantly switching ears or turning on speaker mode, it could be more than the signal.
👀 What to watch for: Difficulty hearing voices clearly over the phone, even in a quiet space.
💡 Pro tip: Modern hearing assessments can now detect not just volume issues, but clarity and frequency loss too.
😩 You’re Mentally Tired After Listening
When hearing starts to fade, the brain has to work harder to fill in gaps. This can lead to listening fatigue, especially by the end of the day.
💬 Sound familiar? You feel drained or frustrated after long conversations or meetings.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re exhausted after a social event, your ears may be working overtime. A hearing test can reduce strain and improve daily energy.
👂 You Notice Ringing or Buzzing in the Ears
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is often linked to early hearing changes. Even if your hearing seems “fine,” this symptom deserves attention.
👀 What to watch for: Persistent or occasional ringing, buzzing, or hissing in one or both ears.
💡 Pro tip: Audiologists can recommend treatments or therapies to help manage tinnitus and detect underlying hearing loss.
Hear Better. Live Better.
You don’t have to wait for your hearing to get “bad enough” to take action. The earlier hearing changes are caught, the better your chances of preserving what you have — and protecting your communication, relationships, and mental sharpness.
Hearing care is health care. And it starts with a simple, painless test.
We offer comprehensive hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, tinnitus support, and personalized hearing care plans right here at our clinic.
📞 Call (242) 702-9310 to schedule your hearing test with our Audiologist Dr. Kim Scriven.