Early Signs of Hearing Loss: What to Watch For
Post on 8th December 2025
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss the early warning signs. Many people don’t realise they’re struggling until friends or family point it out. Recognising the symptoms early can help you seek support sooner and maintain your quality of life.
At Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, with more than 85 years’ experience as a leading hearing and eye care specialist in the UK, we explain the common early warning signs that could indicate you or your loved one is experiencing hearing loss.
- You’re Asking People to Repeat Themselves
If you find yourself frequently saying “pardon?” or “what was that?”, it could be an early indicator. While everyone mishears occasionally, consistently asking others to repeat themselves, especially in quiet environments, may signal hearing difficulties.
- The Television Volume Keeps Creeping Up
Do your family members complain that the TV is too loud? Have you noticed you’re gradually turning up the volume on your devices? This is one of the most common signs that people close to you might notice before you do.
- Conversations Feel Exhausting
Struggling to follow conversations, particularly in busy environments like coffee shops or pubs, is a telltale sign. If you’re finding social gatherings mentally draining because you’re working so hard to keep up with what’s being said, it’s worth having your hearing checked.
- Certain Sounds Are Harder to Hear
High-pitched sounds often become difficult to hear first. You might notice you can’t hear birds singing, struggle with female or children’s voices, or find consonants like ‘s’, ‘f’, and ‘th’ hard to distinguish. This can make speech sound muffled, even when it’s loud enough.
- You’re Relying on Lip Reading
Have you started watching people’s mouths more closely when they speak? Many people unconsciously begin lip reading to fill in the gaps they’re missing. If you find it particularly difficult to follow conversations when you can’t see someone’s face, hearing loss could be the reason.
- Phone Conversations Are Becoming Challenging
Difficulty hearing on the telephone is particularly telling because you can’t rely on visual cues. If you’re avoiding phone calls or finding them increasingly frustrating, this can be an early sign.
- You’re Withdrawing from Social Situations
Are you avoiding busy social events or making excuses not to go out? Social withdrawal often happens gradually as people with unaddressed hearing loss find interactions increasingly stressful and tiring.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve recognised several of these signs, don’t wait. Early intervention can make a significant difference. Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ability to hear, it can impact your confidence and relationships, as well as your overall wellbeing.
The good news is that a hearing assessment is straightforward and free of charge. You will find help and advice on our website, or alternatively visit your local Scrivens branch. We are always here for you!
If you found this article useful, you may also be interested in reading about how hearing loss can impact mental health.