5 signs you need hearing aids – and how to fix it

Telegraph

01-03-2025

How often do you find yourself watching the television, wondering why you seem to be the only one struggling to hear? Or at a party, having to awkwardly ask a person to repeat their latest witty anecdote, after all the laughter has died away?
Whilst some of us struggle infrequently with these moments of impaired hearing, there are now 12 million people in the UK who suffer from debilitating hearing loss – eight million of whom are aged 60 and over.
As an invisible disability, it often goes unnoticed, with only two million people in the UK bothering to use hearing aids in the first place.
Yet now even the tech giants, Apple, have cottoned on to the increasing need for this type of device, recently launching a new feature on their Airpods Pro 2 which means users can turn them into 'clinical grade' hearing aids.
The earbuds already have an ability that allows users to take a five-minute hearing test. But now, if the test indicates mild to moderate hearing loss, users can switch on a function to boost their hearing at the touch of a button.
Sue Falkingham, an audiologist and hearing therapist, says the feature could make using aids more mainstream and give more people an opportunity to try them, at a low cost. Hearing aids usually range from £500 for a basic model to upwards of £3,000 for the flashier kind
'Hearing aids still have a stigma attached to them,' says Falkingham, 'so if they encourage people to take their hearing health more seriously, I think they can only be a good thing.'
Here are the five signs that you may need to cast off any embarrassment and try some out.
FAQs
Average prices of hearing aids
1. Difficulty distinguishing voices in a loud environment
Struggling to hear, or understand speech when there is background noise, is often an early symptom of moderate hearing loss. It indicates a reduced ability for the brain to separate speech from lower-pitched background noise, making it hard to focus on a single voice when surrounded by other sounds. It can be particularly challenging if someone is speaking to you on the side you are suffering hearing loss, and you are unable to see them, and cannot understand what they are saying.
'What I've seen with many of my patients is that their hearing loss affects the people around them more, so sometimes there is a tendency to not immediately do anything about it,' says Dr Krisham Ramdoo, an ENT Surgeon and founder of TympaHealth. 'It generally takes people around five to seven years to take action when they have a problem.'
2. Needing the television turned up
If you constantly need the television turned up, so loud it's uncomfortable for others in the room, it may be time to consider hearing aids.
Presbycusis is the most common type of hearing loss and is associated with ageing, usually beginning around the age of 60 and gradually progressing over time. As we get older, our hearing naturally deteriorates due to changes in the inner ear structure. Whilst this type of hearing loss is permanent, it can often be supported by hearing aids.
'The extent to which your hearing loss is affecting your day-to-day life is very important,' Falkingham advises. 'Ears do age and wear out over time, but if hearing loss is affecting your life significantly, if there are any sudden changes, or if there are differences between your ears, it may be time to seek help.'
The NHS offers free hearing tests, as do some private providers, including Boots Hearing Care. They are pain-free and often include tests, such as listening to sounds at different pitches, and scans that examine the health of the ear canals and ear drums.
To slow the decline of hearing loss, try to protect your ears from loud noises, and take care of your general health, including managing blood pressure and diet.
Blood flow to the ears is very important for healthy hearing. Controlling blood pressure helps to ensure adequate flow to the sensitive structures and vessels in the inner ear which are susceptible to damage in a state of hypertension, according to various studies. Meanwhile, maintaining a healthy diet and eating a range of essential nutrients and antioxidants helps our overall cardiac health and, in turn, promotes healthy blood flow – all essential to our hearing.
3. Constantly asking people to repeat themselves
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves during a conversation is a strong indicator that you might be experiencing hearing loss. Sometimes, for someone with hearing issues, it may sound like a person is mumbling when they are speaking normally.
Dr Ramdoo clarifies that, while these symptoms occurring persistently may mean hearing aids are needed, there could also be other factors at play. 'You could have an ear infection, or one of the most common causes could be ear wax blocking the ear canal,' he says.
'That's why it's important to see a professional that can do a very quick assessment to confirm what is going on.'
4. Struggling to hear high-pitched sounds
If you struggle to hear high-pitched sounds, it could indicate a condition called 'high-frequency hearing loss'. It is one of the most common types of hearing loss and normally affects older people and those who have been frequently exposed to loud noises. Those with high-frequency hearing loss may struggle to hear consonants such as s, h and f, the birds chirping in the morning, or women's and children's voices.
To prevent this, Rob Ormerod, audiology director at Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists, advises using hearing protection. 'Invest in earplugs or earmuffs when you know you'll be exposed to loud noise,' he says. 'And keep your volumes in check – when using headphones or earbuds, follow the 60-60 rule where you listen at 60 per cent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.'
5. Finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
People with hearing loss may find it more difficult to follow a conversation, as listening and talking takes up more mental energy and focus. This can be demoralising as well as a sign that you need hearing aids.
'As their hearing loss gets worse, it is not uncommon for people to avoid these situations altogether as they find them tiring or frustrating,' Ormerod says. 'This can lead to social isolation.'
He advises regularly cleaning your ears (with a warm, damp flannel to clear any debris from the outside or over-the-counter oil-based ear drops to soften wax within the canal), and having frequent check-ups to ensure your hearing stays strong for as long as possible.
FAQS:
Do hearing aids help tinnitus?
Those suffering from tinnitus experience an internal perception of sound – often ringing – in one or both of their ears. Hearing aids can be beneficial for tinnitus sufferers as they can make external sounds louder which in turn quiets the internal noise.
Around 80 per cent of people with severe hearing loss experience tinnitus and most find they cope better when their hearing aids are switched on, according to the British Tinnitus Association.
How to choose the right hearing aids
It is worth researching the costs of different types and brands. With a GP referral, basic hearing aids are available through the NHS. They are also available through a number of private providers including Boots Hearing Care, Specsavers Hearcare, and Amplifon. The more modern styles, such as the invisable kind, are only available privately.
Falkingham recommends finding an independent audiologist who is happy to work through the different types of hearing aids with you. 'One size does not fit all,' she explains. 'Some shapes may not be comfortable for certain ears, some have better noise reductions, and others have better adjustability.'
How to put hearing aids in properly
Your hearing care professional will show you how to fit your hearing aids. 'Custom made in-the-ear hearing aids have the advantage of being easier to fit, but most people can fit any hearing aids with enough practice,' Ormerod says.
The most common hearing aids – behind-the-ear – are fitted by sliding the mould into the ear canal, pressing it into the ear, twisting it into place, lifting the aid over the top of the ear, and securing the case in place.
The increasingly popular invisible hearing aids are fitted by gently pulling the earlobe down and outward while positioning the tip at the entrance of the ear canal. Carefully push it in, twisting slightly if necessary, and following the natural contour of the canal.
Average prices of hearing aids
Hearing aids can be a significant investment, but they play a crucial role in improving quality of life for those with hearing loss. In the UK, prices for hearing aids vary widely depending on the technology, features and whether they are purchased privately or accessed through the NHS. Understanding the average costs can help you make informed decisions about hearing care options.