How Age Affects Your Hearing?

As we get older, many things change – and hearing is no exception. Age-related hearing changes are incredibly common, affecting around one in three Australians over 65. The good news? There’s plenty that can help.

Why Hearing Changes as We Age

Inside your ear are thousands of tiny hair cells that detect sound and send signals to your brain. Over time, these cells naturally become less effective – it’s a normal part of ageing.

This type of hearing change usually happens gradually, often over many years. Because it’s so slow, many people don’t notice it at first. Family members often spot the signs before we do ourselves.

The technical term is presbycusis, but what matters more is understanding how it affects your daily life and what you can do about it.

Signs You Might Notice

The most common sign is difficulty hearing in noisy places – like restaurants, family gatherings, or when the grandkids are running around. Background noise becomes much harder to filter out.

You might find yourself asking people to repeat things more often, or feeling like others are mumbling. High-pitched sounds, like women’s and children’s voices, can become harder to hear clearly.

The TV volume might creep up over time. Phone conversations might feel more challenging. These are all common experiences.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

Hearing affects more than just conversation. Research suggests that untreated hearing changes may be linked to feelings of isolation, reduced confidence in social situations, and even cognitive changes over time.

Staying connected with family and friends becomes harder when you can’t follow conversations easily. Many people start avoiding social situations without even realising why.

The good news is that addressing hearing changes early can make a real difference to quality of life. Many people wish they’d done something sooner.

What Can Help

The first step is a comprehensive hearing assessment. This gives you a clear picture of where things stand and helps identify the best options for your situation.

Modern hearing aids have come a long way – they’re much more discreet and effective than many people imagine. There are also other strategies that can help, from communication tips to assistive devices.

Your audiologist can talk you through all the options and help you find what works for your lifestyle. There’s no pressure to make decisions straight away.

Wondering if your hearing has changed? Our team at CQ Audiology offers comprehensive hearing assessments in a relaxed, friendly environment.