People experiencing hearing loss may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Family members or friends often mention that the television or music volume is too high.
• Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in crowded or noisy places.
• Trouble hearing clearly while speaking on the phone.
• Being able to hear sounds but struggling to understand spoken words.
• Difficulty identifying where sounds are coming from.
• Frequently asking others to repeat what they said.
• Relying on a family member or companion to help during conversations.
• Avoiding social gatherings due to communication difficulties.
• Feeling mentally tired or exhausted after social interactions, often called listening fatigue.
• Experiencing tinnitus, which may sound like ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears.
• Certain sounds may suddenly feel uncomfortably loud, a condition sometimes referred to as recruitment.

Recognising these symptoms early can help in seeking timely hearing evaluation and appropriate treatment or support.