What are the first signs of hearing loss?

Early signs of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to follow conversations in noisy places, turning the TV up louder than others prefer, and feeling that people are mumbling. These changes often appear gradually, so they are easy to miss at first. A hearing test is the clearest way to confirm what is happening.

Quick self-check

Why hearing loss is easy to miss

Age-related hearing loss usually develops slowly, often over years. The high-pitched sounds that carry clarity in speech, such as consonants, tend to fade first, so voices can sound muffled even when you can still hear that someone is talking. Because the change is gradual, family members often notice it before you do.

What causes these early changes?

Common causes include ageing and long-term exposure to loud noise, which affect the delicate hair cells of the inner ear. Ear wax build-up, ear infections and some medications can also play a part. Because the causes differ, an assessment helps identify what is behind your symptoms.

When should you get your hearing checked?

Book a hearing test if you notice any of the self-check signs, if others comment on your hearing, or if you are regularly around loud noise. Most adults benefit from a baseline test by around age 50, then every one to three years, or annually from age 60.

For more information, visit Healthdirect (healthdirect.gov.au) (opens in a new tab).

Sources: Healthdirect; World Health Organization. Information current July 2026 and general in nature.