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Why Do I Keep Asking People to Repeat Themselves? Do you often find yourself saying “What?” or “Can you say that again?” during conversations? Maybe you can hear people talking, but their words do not always seem clear. You may notice that you understand conversations easily when you are face to face with someone in a quiet room, but struggle when there is background noise, several people are talking, or someone speaks from another room. Frequently asking people to repeat themselves can be a sign that your hearing is changing. It does not necessarily mean that you have significant hearing loss, but repeated difficulty understanding speech is worth paying attention to. Hearing problems can develop gradually, which means many people adapt to changes without immediately realising that their hearing has become less effective. Family members and friends may notice the change before you do. Why Do I Keep Asking People to Repeat Themselves? There are several possible reasons why you may frequently ask people to repeat themselves. One of the most common is hearing loss. When hearing becomes reduced, particularly in the frequencies important for understanding speech, you may still hear sounds but struggle to understand exactly what someone has said. Other possible causes include earwax build up, temporary ear problems, background noise, tinnitus, difficulty hearing higher pitched voices, or simply being in an environment where speech is difficult to understand. Sometimes the problem is not that you cannot hear a person speaking. Instead, you may be hearing their voice without being able to clearly distinguish all the individual words. Hearing Sounds Is Not the Same as Understanding Speech Many people assume that if they can hear someone talking, their hearing must be normal. This is not always the case. Hearing involves more than detecting sound. Your ears need to receive sound clearly and your brain needs to interpret the information. For example, you might hear someone say something like: “Would you like to meet us for dinner?” But if some of the speech sounds are unclear, you may only hear: “…like to… dinner?” You know the person is talking, but you cannot confidently understand the entire sentence. This is one reason people with hearing loss sometimes say: “I can hear people, but I cannot understand what they are saying.” Background Noise Can Make Conversations Much Harder One of the most common early signs of hearing difficulty is struggling to understand speech in noisy environments. You may have little trouble talking to one person in a quiet room but find restaurants, family gatherings, cafés, pubs and social events much more difficult. Background noise competes with speech. When your hearing is working well, your brain can separate important sounds from unwanted background noise. When hearing is reduced, this separation can become more difficult. You may therefore find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often when: Several people are talking Music is playing There is traffic nearby You are in a restaurant Someone is speaking from another room The television is playing in the background You are attending a family gathering If this sounds familiar, a hearing test may be worthwhile. You May Hear Better When You Can See the Speaker Another common sign is relying heavily on someone’s face or lips to understand what they are saying. You might find conversations much easier when you can see the person clearly. This is partly because visual information provides useful clues. Facial expressions, lip movements and the context of the conversation can help your brain work out words that are not completely clear through hearing alone. This does not necessarily mean that you have severe hearing loss. However, if you consistently struggle when you cannot see someone’s face, it is worth having your hearing checked. Why Do Voices Sound Muffled? Hearing loss can affect different frequencies in different ways. Many types of age related hearing loss affect higher frequencies first. These frequencies contribute to the clarity of speech. Certain consonants can become harder to distinguish, even though louder sounds remain relatively easy to hear. As a result, voices may sound: Muffled Unclear Distant Blurred Less sharp Like people are mumbling You may therefore hear that someone is talking without being able to understand every word. You May Struggle More With Women’s and Children’s Voices Higher pitched voices can sometimes become more difficult to understand when someone has high frequency hearing loss. This can lead to a situation where you understand some men’s voices more easily but struggle with women’s or children’s voices. You may also notice difficulty hearing: Children speaking People with soft voices People speaking from another room Someone speaking quietly Certain consonants in words These differences can be useful clues that your hearing should be assessed. Could Earwax Be Causing the Problem? Earwax build up is another possible reason for changes in hearing. When earwax blocks the ear canal, it can reduce the amount of sound reaching the eardrum. This can cause temporary hearing difficulty and may make speech sound muffled. You may also experience: A blocked feeling in the ear Reduced hearing Ringing or buzzing Ear discomfort A feeling of pressure Hearing that seems different between your two ears If you suspect earwax, avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into your ears. A professional can assess your ears and determine whether wax is contributing to the problem. Is Asking People to Repeat Themselves a Sign of Hearing Loss? It can be. Occasionally asking someone to repeat themselves is completely normal. Everyone misses words from time to time. However, if it happens frequently, particularly in predictable situations, it may be a sign that your hearing needs checking. Pay attention if you regularly find yourself saying: “What?” “Sorry?” “Can you repeat that?” “I didn’t hear you.” “What did you say?” You may also notice that you are beginning to guess what people have said rather than hearing every word clearly. You Might Not Realise Your Hearing Has Changed Hearing loss often develops gradually. Because the change can happen slowly,

What Is an Audiogram? How to Read Your Hearing Test Results If you have recently had a hearing test, you may have been given an audiogram showing a collection of lines, symbols and numbers. At first glance, an audiogram can look confusing. You may see numbers ranging from negative values to 120, several different frequencies and separate markings for your left and right ears. But what does it all mean? An audiogram is essentially a visual map of your hearing. It shows the quietest sounds you were able to hear at different pitches during a hearing assessment. Understanding your audiogram can help you understand whether your hearing falls within the expected range, whether you have hearing loss and which frequencies may be affected. This guide explains how to read an audiogram and what your hearing test results may mean. What Is an Audiogram? An audiogram is a graph used to record the results of a hearing test. During a standard hearing assessment, you listen to sounds at different frequencies and volumes. You indicate when you can hear each sound. The results are then plotted on the audiogram. The graph normally shows: Frequency along the horizontal axis Hearing level along the vertical axis Separate results for each ear Symbols representing the responses from each ear The resulting pattern gives your hearing professional information about how well you hear different pitches. What Does the Horizontal Axis Show? The horizontal axis of an audiogram represents frequency. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). Lower frequencies represent deeper sounds, while higher frequencies represent higher-pitched sounds. You may see frequencies such as: 250 Hz 500 Hz 1,000 Hz 2,000 Hz 4,000 Hz 8,000 Hz A lower frequency is similar to a deep bass sound. A higher frequency is more like a high-pitched sound. Speech contains a wide range of frequencies, which is why hearing different parts of the frequency range can affect communication in different ways. What Does the Vertical Axis Show? The vertical axis represents the hearing level, usually measured in decibels hearing level, written as dB HL. The numbers generally become larger as you move down the graph. For example, the top of the graph may show: 0 dB HL while lower sections may show: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 dB HL This does not mean that 0 dB is complete silence. Instead, the scale is based on standardised hearing thresholds. Generally, the further down the graph your hearing thresholds appear, the louder a sound needs to be before you can detect it. What Does 0 dB Mean on an Audiogram? A common misunderstanding is that 0 dB means no sound. It does not. On an audiogram, 0 dB HL represents a reference level based on the typical hearing thresholds of people with normal hearing. Someone with a threshold around 0 dB HL can hear relatively quiet sounds. This is very different from saying that the person cannot hear anything. What Do the Symbols on an Audiogram Mean? Audiograms use different symbols to represent the results from each ear. The exact symbols can vary depending on the test and the hearing professional, but traditionally: A red circle represents the right ear A blue X represents the left ear Other symbols may be used for bone-conduction testing, masked results and other measurements. Your audiologist or hearing professional should explain the symbols on your individual audiogram. Why Are the Left and Right Ears Tested Separately? Your ears do not necessarily hear equally. One ear may have better hearing sensitivity than the other. Testing each ear separately allows your hearing professional to identify differences between them. For example, your audiogram might show relatively similar thresholds in both ears. Alternatively, one ear might show greater hearing loss. The pattern can provide useful information about your hearing. What Is Normal Hearing on an Audiogram? The definition of normal hearing can vary slightly between clinical guidelines, but hearing thresholds within approximately 0 to 20 dB HL are commonly considered within the normal range for many adults. Some classifications use a slightly different upper limit. This is one reason why it is better to discuss your individual results with your hearing professional rather than focusing on one number alone. Your overall hearing ability also involves more than simply whether a threshold falls within a particular range. What Does Mild Hearing Loss Look Like? Mild hearing loss generally means that sounds need to be somewhat louder before you can hear them compared with someone with typical hearing sensitivity. Depending on the classification system used, mild hearing loss may fall approximately within the 20 or 25 to 40 dB HL range. Someone with mild hearing loss may still hear most everyday sounds. However, they may have difficulty understanding speech when: There is background noise Someone speaks quietly Several people are talking The speaker is far away The person cannot see the speaker’s face Mild hearing loss can therefore have a noticeable impact on communication even when everyday sounds remain audible. What Does Moderate Hearing Loss Look Like? Moderate hearing loss generally means that speech and other sounds need to be considerably louder before they are heard clearly. Depending on the classification system, moderate hearing loss may fall approximately between 41 and 55 or 60 dB HL. People with moderate hearing loss may frequently ask others to repeat themselves. They may turn the television volume up or struggle to follow conversations in restaurants and other noisy environments. Hearing aids may be recommended depending on the individual’s hearing results, communication needs and preferences. What Does Severe Hearing Loss Look Like? Severe hearing loss means that sounds generally need to be significantly louder before they can be detected. The exact classification varies, but severe hearing loss often falls approximately within the 71 to 90 dB HL range. People with severe hearing loss may struggle to understand ordinary speech without amplification. Hearing technology and communication strategies can be particularly important for maintaining communication and independence. What Does Profound Hearing Loss Look Like? Profound hearing loss is

What Should Hearing Aids Sound Like When You First Wear Them? Getting hearing aids for the first time can be an exciting experience, but it can also feel surprisingly strange. You may expect everything to sound completely natural immediately. Instead, your voice might sound different, everyday noises may seem unusually loud and some sounds you have not noticed for years may suddenly become obvious. So, what should hearing aids sound like when you first wear them? The answer is that hearing aids should make sounds clearer and easier to hear, but they may not sound completely natural straight away. Your brain needs time to adjust to amplified sound, and your hearing professional may need to fine tune the devices as you become accustomed to them. The adjustment period is different for everyone. Some people become comfortable within a few days, while others need several weeks. Understanding what is normal can make the transition much easier. What Should Hearing Aids Sound Like? A properly fitted hearing aid should generally make speech and important sounds easier to hear. However, the sound may initially seem different from what you remember hearing naturally. You might notice: Your own voice sounds louder Footsteps are more noticeable Clothing makes more noise Paper sounds louder when handled Cutlery sounds sharper Doors closing sound stronger Water running sounds louder Background conversations are easier to notice Birds and outdoor sounds become more obvious These sounds are not necessarily being amplified incorrectly. Some may simply be sounds that your brain has become less accustomed to hearing. Why Do Hearing Aids Sound Strange at First? Hearing loss often develops gradually. When certain sounds become quieter over time, your brain adapts to receiving less information. Hearing aids introduce more sound back into your listening environment. As a result, your brain suddenly receives information that it may not have been processing as clearly. This can make ordinary sounds seem unusual. The hearing aid itself may be working correctly, while your brain is simply adjusting to the change. Why Does My Own Voice Sound Strange With Hearing Aids? One of the most common experiences for new hearing aid users is that their own voice sounds different. You may feel as though your voice is: Louder Boomy Blocked Echoing Hollow More noticeable This can happen because the hearing aid changes the way sound reaches your ear. If the hearing aid or earmould creates a degree of physical blockage in the ear canal, your own voice can also sound different. This effect is sometimes called the occlusion effect. For many people, it becomes less noticeable as they adjust. However, if your own voice remains uncomfortably loud or unnatural, your hearing professional may be able to adjust the fitting. Why Do Background Sounds Seem So Loud? Hearing aids amplify sound according to your hearing needs, but when you first wear them, background sounds can attract your attention. You may suddenly notice: Fridges Fans Air conditioning Traffic Footsteps Clocks Dogs Birds Typing Cutlery People talking in the background These sounds may have been present all along. You simply may not have been hearing them as clearly. Your brain usually becomes better at deciding which sounds deserve attention as you become accustomed to your hearing aids. Should Hearing Aids Make Everything Louder? No. Modern hearing aids are designed to provide different amounts of amplification depending on the sound. The goal is not simply to make everything louder. The aim is to provide appropriate amplification for sounds that are difficult for you to hear while keeping louder sounds comfortable. If everything seems excessively loud, particularly after the initial adjustment period, your hearing aids may need fine tuning. Should Speech Sound Clearer With Hearing Aids? Speech is one of the main things hearing aids are designed to help with. You may notice that voices become easier to hear, particularly when someone is speaking directly to you. However, hearing aids do not instantly eliminate every listening difficulty. Speech in noisy environments can still be challenging. Restaurants, busy shops, family gatherings and group conversations may require additional listening effort. Your hearing professional can help optimise your hearing aid settings for your everyday listening needs. Why Do People’s Voices Sound Different? You may notice that some voices sound different when you first start wearing hearing aids. High pitched voices may seem sharper. Deep voices may seem fuller. Children’s voices may suddenly become more noticeable. You may also hear consonants more clearly. These changes can feel unusual because different frequencies may have been affected by your hearing loss. As your brain becomes accustomed to hearing these frequencies again, voices may begin to sound more natural. Why Do High Pitched Sounds Seem So Loud? Many types of hearing loss affect higher frequencies. When hearing aids restore some of those higher frequency sounds, they can initially seem surprisingly strong. You may notice sounds such as: Birdsong Children speaking Keys jingling Paper rustling Cutlery Certain speech sounds This does not automatically mean the hearing aids are too loud. However, if high pitched sounds remain painful or excessively sharp, your hearing professional should check the settings. Why Do Hearing Aids Make Things Sound Metallic? Some new hearing aid users describe sound as metallic, tinny, robotic or artificial. This can be particularly noticeable with voices and music. There are several possible reasons. Your brain may still be adjusting to amplified sound. The hearing aid may be providing frequencies you have not heard clearly for some time. The device may need fine tuning. The hearing aid may not be providing the most suitable settings for your particular hearing loss. A certain amount of unfamiliarity can be normal at first. If the sound remains unpleasant, tell your hearing professional. Is It Normal for Hearing Aids to Sound Too Loud? Some sounds can initially seem louder than expected. However, hearing aids should not make ordinary sounds painfully loud. If you find everyday sounds uncomfortable, speak to your hearing professional. The hearing aid settings may need adjustment. Do not assume that you have

How Often Should You Have a Hearing Test? Many people only think about having a hearing test when they notice a problem. Perhaps the television has gradually become louder, conversations are becoming more difficult to follow, or you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves. But hearing can change gradually, and you may not always notice the changes yourself. So, how often should you have a hearing test? There is no single testing schedule that is right for everyone. How often you should have your hearing checked depends on factors such as your age, hearing history, symptoms, exposure to loud noise and whether you already use hearing aids. For some people, routine hearing checks every few years may be appropriate. Others may benefit from more frequent assessments. Regular hearing tests can help identify changes early and give you a clearer understanding of your hearing health. What Is a Hearing Test? A hearing test is an assessment of how well you can hear different sounds and frequencies. A hearing professional may assess your ability to hear sounds at different volumes and pitches and may carry out additional tests depending on your symptoms and hearing history. The results can help determine whether you have hearing loss and, if so, how significant it is. A hearing assessment can also help identify differences between your ears. For example, you may discover that you hear significantly better in one ear than the other. How Often Should Adults Have a Hearing Test? For adults without noticeable hearing difficulties, the appropriate frequency depends on individual circumstances. If you have no symptoms and no particular risk factors, you may not need a hearing test every year. However, having your hearing checked periodically can be useful, particularly as you get older. A hearing professional can recommend an appropriate testing schedule based on your age, previous results and hearing history. If you have noticed any change in your hearing, you should not wait until your next routine test. Should You Have a Hearing Test Every Year? An annual hearing test is not necessarily required for every adult. However, some people may benefit from yearly monitoring. Annual testing can be particularly useful if you: Already have hearing loss Wear hearing aids Have noticed changes in your hearing Have persistent tinnitus Work around loud noise Regularly attend loud concerts or events Have a history of ear problems Have previously had significantly different hearing between your ears Are monitoring a known hearing condition Your hearing professional can advise you on how frequently your hearing should be assessed. How Often Should Older Adults Have Their Hearing Tested? Hearing loss becomes more common as people get older. Age-related hearing loss usually develops gradually, which means you may not immediately recognise that your hearing has changed. You might simply assume that other people are mumbling, that restaurants have become noisier or that everyone on television is speaking more quietly. A hearing test can help distinguish between normal changes in hearing and hearing difficulties that may benefit from support. Older adults who already have hearing loss or hearing aids may need more regular monitoring. Why Is Regular Hearing Testing Important? Regular hearing tests provide a way to monitor changes over time. Your hearing today may not be the same as it was several years ago. By comparing current results with previous hearing tests, a hearing professional may be able to identify changes that you might not have noticed yourself. Regular testing can also help identify whether hearing difficulties are affecting particular frequencies. This is important because hearing loss does not always affect all sounds equally. Can Hearing Loss Develop Without You Knowing? Yes. One of the reasons hearing tests are useful is that hearing loss can develop gradually. You may still hear everyday sounds and believe that your hearing is normal while struggling with certain types of speech. For example, you might hear that someone is talking but have difficulty understanding exactly what they are saying. You may particularly struggle when: Several people are talking There is background noise Someone speaks quietly Someone speaks from another room People have higher-pitched voices You cannot see the speaker’s face These can be early signs that your hearing should be assessed. What Are the Signs You Need a Hearing Test? You may benefit from a hearing test if you notice any of the following: You frequently ask people to repeat themselves You turn the television volume up People seem to mumble Conversations are difficult in restaurants You struggle to hear in groups You have difficulty hearing on the telephone You hear better from one ear than the other You have ringing or buzzing in your ears You struggle to hear women’s or children’s voices You rely heavily on lip reading You frequently misunderstand conversations Family members comment on your hearing You avoid social situations because conversations are difficult You do not need to wait until your hearing becomes severely affected before arranging an assessment. Should You Have a Hearing Test If You Can Hear Normally? You may still benefit from a hearing test even if you believe your hearing is normal. Some hearing difficulties are subtle. You might hear sounds but have difficulty understanding speech in particular environments. A hearing test provides objective information about your hearing rather than relying entirely on how you feel your hearing is performing. This can be particularly useful if you regularly work in noisy environments or have significant exposure to loud sound. How Often Should You Have a Hearing Test If You Wear Hearing Aids? People who use hearing aids generally benefit from regular hearing and hearing-aid reviews. The exact frequency depends on your individual hearing needs and the advice of your hearing professional. Follow-up appointments can help assess: Whether your hearing has changed Whether your hearing aids are still suitable Whether the settings need adjustment Whether the devices are working correctly Whether the fit remains comfortable Whether you are experiencing difficulties in particular listening environments If your hearing changes noticeably, you should