When Should You Get Hearing Aids? How to Decide

Hearing loss usually creeps in slowly, so it’s easy to brush off. You ask people to repeat themselves a little more often, the TV creeps up a notch, and restaurants start to feel like work. Many people wait years before they do anything about it.

If that sounds familiar, you may be wondering when to get hearing aids. The short answer: when hearing changes start getting in the way of your everyday life, and not just when hearing loss is “severe.” A professional hearing evaluation is the best way to find out where you stand. If you are not sure you need one yet, our video guide covers the signs you need a hearing test.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Get Hearing Aids?

Knowing when to get hearing aids comes down to how your hearing affects your day. Some people notice obvious changes. Others adapt so gradually that they don’t realize how much they’re missing.

It may be worth checking your hearing if you:

• Have trouble understanding conversations
• Struggle to hear in restaurants or crowded places
• Keep turning up the volume on the TV or phone
• Miss phone calls or the doorbell
• Feel left out of conversations

So, should you get hearing aids? That depends on your hearing, your lifestyle, and how much these challenges affect you. The signs below are a good starting point, but they aren’t a diagnosis. Only a hearing evaluation can confirm whether you have hearing loss and whether hearing aids are right for you.

7 Signs You May Need Hearing Aids

1. You Often Ask People to Repeat Themselves

This is one of the most common early signs. You can tell someone is talking, but you can’t quite make out the words, especially when several people are talking or there’s background noise.

If conversations are becoming frustrating, it may be time to look at your hearing aid options.

2. You Keep Turning Up the TV or Phone

Does your family say the TV is too loud? Needing more volume is a common sign that your hearing may have changed. Because the change happens slowly, most people don’t notice they’re doing it.

3. Conversations Are Hard to Follow in Noisy Places

Restaurants, family gatherings, and other busy places can be tough when your hearing has changed. Background noise makes it harder to pick out one voice. Many of today’s hearing aids have features designed to help with speech in noisy settings.

4. People Sound Like They’re Mumbling

If voices sound unclear or words run together, you may be having trouble with certain pitches (frequencies). Many people with hearing loss can hear sound but struggle with clarity. That’s one reason a professional evaluation matters before you choose any device.

5. You’re Skipping Social Activities

Hearing trouble can affect more than conversations. Some people start avoiding family gatherings, restaurants, meetings, or social events because they’re worried about missing or misunderstanding what’s said. The right hearing support can help you stay involved and talk with more confidence.

6. You Notice Ringing in Your Ears

Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears is known as tinnitus, and some people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. If you notice it, mention it at your hearing evaluation. If it comes on suddenly, affects only one ear, or comes with sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain, see your doctor promptly.

Do hearing aids help with tinnitus? Hearing aids don’t cure tinnitus. Some people find it less noticeable when they’re wearing hearing aids because everyday sounds are easier to hear.

7. Your Family Notices Before You Do

The people closest to you often pick up on hearing changes first. They may notice that you:

• Don’t respond when someone calls you
• Mishear parts of conversations
• Ask the same question again

If friends or family mention your hearing, it’s worth scheduling a hearing evaluation.