Do you ever find yourself in situations like these?
1. Finding that people speak too softly or mumble the words, and needing them to repeat themselves.
2. Experiencing that conversations in crowded places such as cafés are more difficult, and you need to strain to understand them.
3. Having to turn up the volume on your TV, radio or phone to hear it properly.
4. Being told by close ones that they need to repeat themselves a lot, the TV is too loud, or that you are talking loudly.
5. Needing to look at people’s faces to help you understand what they say.
6. Realising that some everyday sounds have disappeared, such as birdsong, footsteps, the car’s turn indicator, or the wind in the trees.
7. Declining invitations to social gatherings because you struggle to listen and the effort it takes is tiring.
Try a free hearing test online
Our free online hearing test can give you a quick indication of whether or not you have hearing loss, and give you insights into your hearing. There’s no sign-up necessary, and you can leave the test at any time.
What does hearing loss feel like?
You feel that you can hear but can’t always understand what you hear, like the words aren’t separated properly.
You may feel more tired from the effort required to listen, and find you remember less of what is said.
It may feel as though you have plugged or clogged ears.
Your hearing may be better in one ear than the other.
You question whether you should ask others to repeat themselves or just pretend to hear.
Hearing loss makes you more tired
Hearing loss affects not only how you hear, but can also affect how you feel. You brain has to work harder to listen, and you are likely to feel more tired and stressed from the extra effort.
Because it takes extra effort needed to understand, you may find it harder to remember what other people say. If you can’t follow conversations, you may feel disengaged or excluded from the situation or confused about what’s going on - especially in noisy places.
Do you think someone you know has hearing loss?
If your partner, relation, or friend has hearing difficulties, it is important to take a compassionate approach. People can become defensive and deny they have any hearing issues.
Is tinnitus a sign of hearing loss?
Tinnitus isn’t a sign of hearing loss, but the two are thought to be linked. An estimated 90% of people who suffer from tinnitus also experience some degree of hearing loss.1
Hear from people with hearing loss
Being able to hear all the little things that are going on around me is just beautiful.
Jens
Denmark
Oticon Intent™ has exceeded all my expectations. As a tech enthusiast, I was blown away by their seamless Bluetooth® connectivity and exceptional battery life.
Brenda S.
Oticon Intent user
Oticon Intent™ has truly transformed my life. Their intuitive nature of knowing what my brain wants to hear and does not want to hear is astonishing.
Jeff W.
Oticon Intent user
Ready to take action on your hearing loss?
Related pages
Prepare to visit a hearing clinic
Find out what to expect and how to get the most out of your first appointment.
Discover your brain’s role in hearing
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Explore Oticon's hearing aids
Find styles and features that suit your unique needs and preferences.
References
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Hearing Health Foundation. (2024). Tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Can tinnitus be treated or cured?