Healthy hearing

Our sense of hearing enriches our lives in countless ways. 

It influences how we communicate with others, recognise environmental cues, enjoy music, stay alert to potential dangers, and perform everyday activities. 

However, it's completely normal for our hearing ability to change as we age, with around 40% of people over 50 in the UK experiencing some form of hearing loss.

Book a home hearing test

What are the signs of hearing loss?

As hearing loss tends to happen gradually as we age, it can be hard to pinpoint the signs.

Some signs to be aware of include:

  • Talking in groups is becoming harder as you become less able to understand what is being said
  • When you are in group situations, you often have to ask people to repeat themselves
  • You're having to turn the TV or radio up louder than you used to
  • Sounds may seem loud but not clear enough to distinguish
  • Quiet sounds, such as birdsong, are harder to hear
  • People seem to appear in the room, but you haven't heard them enter
  • You just don't hear buses or cars coming when you’re around traffic

Protecting your hearing

Once hearing is damaged, it cannot be fully restored.

While not all forms of hearing loss are preventable, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing:

  • Limit noise exposure 
  • Be informed on the potential symptoms of hearing loss
  • Get your hearing tested regularly (not just if you've noticed symptoms)
  • Prevent ear infections by keeping your ears clean and dry (avoid inserting objects into your ears, including cotton swabs!)
  • Refrain from smoking
  • Maintain a balanced diet and get regular exercise
  • Be aware of potential hearing-related side effects of any medication you are taking

Do I need a hearing test?

Research shows that those with hearing loss typically wait up to 10 years to take action. By this time, hearing issues are often substantial and harder to treat. This is why we recommend regular hearing tests. 

However, we understand that a hearing test can feel daunting to some; that’s why we’ve added an online hearing test to our website.

The test will help you determine if you should consult a Hearing Specialist. It takes just a few minutes, is entirely free, and can be completed privately at home.

Or, if you’re already ready to book an in-person hearing test, we have a team of friendly, qualified, and experienced Hearing Specialists from all over the country who can conduct a hearing test for you in the comfort of your own home.

Book a home hearing test Take the online hearing test

Book a home hearing test today

Please fill in the form to request a hearing test in the comfort of your own home and one of our friendly team will be in touch.

If you have any questions, please call 0808 239 3117.

Book a home hearing test

Related articles

Lifelong musician overcomes hearing loss

This inspiring case study tells the story of a lifelong musician whose passion for music was challenged by hearing difficulties. Playing in bands since the 1980s, arranging music, and jamming at a local jazz club, music was not just a hobby but a way of life for him.

Read more

A guide to hearing loss: signs, causes and how to prevent it

As we get older, the delicate hair cells in our ears start to degrade, which reduces our ability to perceive certain frequencies and results in hearing loss. In the UK, around 40% of the population over 50 have some form of hearing loss.

Read more

Tinnitus: what is it, causes, treatments, hereditary factors, diagnosis

Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. In many cases, tinnitus is associated with some degree of hearing loss, but this may not always be the case.

Read more