What are the signs you need a hearing aid?

You may benefit from a hearing aid if you frequently ask people to repeat themselves, struggle in noisy places, turn the TV up higher than others prefer, or feel worn out from concentrating to listen. A hearing assessment is the clearest way to confirm whether a hearing aid would help.

Common signs you need a hearing aid

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Struggling to follow conversations in background noise, such as restaurants, cars or group settings
• Turning the TV volume, radio or phone up louder than others prefer
• Feeling that other people are mumbling or not speaking clearly
• Feeling tired or drained after socialising, from the effort of concentrating to hear
• Withdrawing from conversations or social situations because listening feels like hard work
• Being told by family or friends that you seem to be missing things

If several of these sound familiar, it is worth having your hearing checked rather than waiting.

At what age do you need a hearing aid for hearing loss?

Hearing loss becomes more common with age. Many people first consider hearing aids in their 60s or 70s. It varies widely, though, and younger adults with significant noise exposure can need them too. Need is based on your hearing test results and how hearing loss affects your daily life, not age alone.

Why do people wait despite background noise struggles?

On average, people wait several years between first noticing hearing changes and seeking help. Hearing loss usually develops gradually, so it is easy to adjust to without realising how much effort you have started putting into listening. Addressing it sooner tends to make the adjustment to hearing aids easier.

What happens at a hearing test with an audiologist?

A hearing assessment will confirm whether your hearing sits within a typical range or shows some loss, and if so, the type and degree. If a hearing aid would help, your audiologist explains the options matched to your hearing test, lifestyle and budget.

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.