A person whose hearing has declined is quite often unaware of the change themselves; this is generally due to the fact that the change has occurred over a long period of time and very gradually. It is often loved ones or people close to them that first notice the change in hearing.

A person whose hearing has started to deteriorate will demonstrate a few or a number of the following signs:

• Will say they can hear sounds (often sounds which are a single or lower frequency like the knock at a door) perfectly well but they “just can’t hear someone talking when there is noise present
• Needs the TV or radio up quite a bit louder than others are comfortable with
• May say things like “people (or young people) mumble these days”
• Comment that women’s or children’s voices are more difficult to understand or that they speak too softly
• Unable to hear dialogue at the movies clearly; comment they can hear the sounds but can’t make out the words
• Require more repeats when talking one on one when in noise or in quiet
• The person may start to become more moody or withdraw more from social situations as it becomes increasingly difficult to follow or join in conversations