Wondering if you need a hearing test? Here we share the 5 most common signs of hearing loss, and why getting checked sooner rather than later really matters.

If you've found your way to this blog, chances are something has been nagging at you. Maybe it's you that's noticed it, or maybe it's someone close to you. Either way, the short answer is: yes. If you think you or a loved one might be struggling with their hearing, it's time to get a hearing assessment.

We know that can feel like a big step. But honestly? It doesn't need to be. As audiologists, we see people every single day who've been putting this off for months, and often years, and almost every single one of them says the same thing afterwards:

"I wish I'd done this sooner."

So let's talk about the signs.

1. You're asking people to repeat themselves

We all mishear things from time to time. But if you're regularly saying "sorry, could you say that again?", especially in quieter settings where there's no background noise to blame, that's your ears telling you something. It's one of the earliest and most consistent signs of hearing loss, and it's worth taking seriously.

2. The TV volume is creeping up

Has a family member commented that the television is too loud? Or have you noticed that you're bumping it up higher than you used to? This is extremely common and often the first thing people notice, not in themselves, but in a parent or partner. If the volume that used to feel comfortable no longer does, it's worth getting checked.

3. You struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments

Restaurants, family gatherings, busy offices - these environments can be genuinely exhausting when your hearing isn't quite right. The ability to filter out background noise and focus on a single voice is something our ears do naturally, but it's also one of the first things to deteriorate with hearing loss. If a night out leaves you feeling drained from concentrating so hard just to follow the conversation, that's a really telling sign.

4. You experience chronic tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in your ears)

Tinnitus affects around 1 in 10 people in the UK, and while it can have a number of causes, it is frequently associated with underlying hearing loss. If you're living with a persistent ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound that others can't hear, a tinnitus assessment alongside a full hearing evaluation can help identify what's going on and, importantly, what can be done about it.

5. Earwax removal hasn't made things better

Earwax removal can make a remarkable difference when blocked ears are the cause of your hearing difficulties. But if you've had your ears cleared and still feel like you're struggling, that's a significant clue. It suggests the issue may go beyond a simple blockage, and a proper hearing assessment is the logical next step.

Hearing loss affects around 1 in 6 people in the UK, that's roughly 12 million adults. And while many people assume it's something that only happens later in life, the reality is quite different. We recently assessed and diagnosed presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) in a 38-year-old male patient, and fitted him with hearing aids that genuinely changed his day-to-day life. Hearing loss can begin at almost any age, and early intervention almost always leads to better outcomes.

The longer it goes unaddressed, the harder it can become for your brain to process sound, so if something feels off, sooner really is better.

What Does a Hearing Assessment Actually Involve?

This is something we get asked all the time, and we're always happy to answer it because we think the process should feel completely transparent. A hearing assessment is a straightforward, non-invasive appointment that gives you a detailed picture of your ear health.

At Hawthorn Hearing, this is how we structure your appointment:

• Detailed medical history and lifestyle discussion

• Description of the ear system and it’s functions

• Live video otoscopy to show you inside your ear canal

• Pure Tone Audiometry using Air and Bone Conduction

• Further assessments such as tympanometry, speech testing, if necessary

• Presentation of your results and discussion

This all takes around 90mins but unlike other clinics, we significantly extend our appointment times so that there really is no rush!

• The overall health of your ear canal and eardrum

• Whether there is any scar tissue present from previous infections or trauma

• Which frequencies you may be missing out on, and how much this impacts your daily life

• Whether a sinus or nasal condition could be contributing to your hearing difficulties

• Whether hearing aids would benefit you, and if so, which type and style would suit you best

It's genuinely eye-opening for most people. Even patients who come in expecting to be told everything is fine often leave with insights about their ear health they've never had before.

The NHS provides a high quality hearing assessment that is often the best option when there is another concern alongside hearing loss, such as vertigo or persistent headaches. However, waiting times can be lengthy, and the assessment often does not go into detail about your hearing health or how the ear works. Going privately tends to be significantly quicker, and in many cases the assessment itself is offered at no cost or at a very affordable price.

At Hawthorn Hearing, our hearing assessments are not only comprehensive, making use of multiple tests to pinpoint exactly what is going on, we also offer extended appointment times. This means that there is more than enough time to discuss everything in a way that leaves you as informed as possible. We're also fully compliant with the BSA and NICE guidelines, so the clinical standard is exactly where it should be.

One thing that sets us apart from most hearing practices is that we offer full home visit appointments. Whether you have a parent in a care home in Oxted, or you're a busy professional in Sevenoaks who simply can't take time out of your day, we can bring a complete hearing assessment directly to you.

Our home visits cover a wide area across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and South London, so wherever you are in the South East, there's a good chance we can get to you.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If any of the signs above sound familiar, whether for yourself or someone you care about, please don't wait. A hearing assessment is a simple, comfortable appointment that could genuinely change your quality of life.

Book your hearing assessment today at our Westerham clinic, at home, or wherever works best for you. We'd love to help you reconnect with the sounds of life.