How to Recognize Hearing Loss in Loved Ones
Looking out for someone you love? Friends and family often notice hearing changes first. Learn the common signs and how to offer support when it matters most.
Published 12/12/2025,
Updated 12/12/2025
2 min read
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HearUSA editorial team
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Common signs of hearing loss in loved ones
Recognizing difficulties with hearing
Hearing changes don’t usually happen overnight. Instead, they tend to appear gradually, often first catching the attention of partners, children, friends, or coworkers who notice changes in everyday conversations.
If you find you’re being asked to repeat yourself often, or notice that the TV volume is being turned up much louder than it used to be, you might be wondering whether a loved one’s hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be1.
Leaving changes in hearing unaddressed2 can have long-term impacts, so it’s empowering to get early support. In fact, research shows that hearing aids improve social, emotional and physical well-being in people with hearing loss, enhancing overall quality of life3. That’s why it’s important to recognize the common signs of hearing loss.
If you find you’re being asked to repeat yourself often, or notice that the TV volume is being turned up much louder than it used to be, you might be wondering whether a loved one’s hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be1.
Leaving changes in hearing unaddressed2 can have long-term impacts, so it’s empowering to get early support. In fact, research shows that hearing aids improve social, emotional and physical well-being in people with hearing loss, enhancing overall quality of life3. That’s why it’s important to recognize the common signs of hearing loss.
Hearing loss symptoms
What are the common signs of hearing loss?
Difficulty understanding others, frequently asking for information to be repeated, and turning up the volume on devices are some of the most common signs of hearing loss. Unlike a strapped wrist or bandaged wound, signs of hearing loss are less obvious4. If you’re concerned that someone you care about may have hearing challenges, take note of these signs to offer support.
Difficulty understanding others due to listening fatigue
Listening fatigue happens when people with hearing loss use extra mental energy to follow conversations, especially in noisy settings. This constant effort can leave them feeling tired1, stressed, or withdrawn.
Frequently asking for information to be repeated
“Could you say that again, please?” Are you often being asked to repeat yourself? The need to have information repeated could be a clue that someone’s hearing has changed1. Supporting your loved one through these changes can make conversations easier and more enjoyable for both of you.
Turning up the volume on devices
Is your partner’s favorite TV show so loud you feel compelled to turn it down? They may be turning up the volume because hearing difficulties make it harder to catch important dialogue1. Encouraging a hearing check can help everyone enjoy shared moments again.
Difficulty hearing on the phone
You may find phone calls with your loved one are becoming more challenging. Without visual cues like lip reading or facial expressions, it’s harder for them to follow the conversation, especially with lower sound quality. Background noise can make it even more difficult to hear and understand. Offering patience and support during calls can help your loved one feel more included.
Group conversation can be challenging with hearing loss
Trouble hearing across the home
Your loved one may no longer hear you if you call out to them from another room. Suggest moving closer or speaking clearly to help bridge these gaps and maintain connection.
Difficulty following group conversation
Background noise can make it harder for anyone to follow a conversation, but when a friend or loved one has trouble keeping up with conversations in a group, it’s a great time to encourage a hearing health check. Group settings can become more enjoyable with the right support and solutions.
Withdrawal from social situations and conversations
Missing out on what’s being said and feeling challenged in everyday situations can sometimes result in people with hearing difficulties feeling frustrated, embarrassed, fatigued, or withdrawn1.
Sometimes, your loved one may choose not to attend social gatherings in places with background noise, such as restaurants or parties.
I. Walbrohel
Hearing Care Professional
Helpful information
Factors causing hearing loss
About one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age, according to the National Institute on Aging5.
As we age, there are several changes that occur to our hearing, from the inner ear, middle ear and along the nerve pathways to the brain.
Long-term noise exposure, tinnitus, ear wax build-up and other health conditions can also play a role1 in changes to your parent’s hearing health.
Hearing fatigue can show up in many ways5. The sooner you can help your parent take action, the sooner you’re empowering them to reconnect with the sounds of life. Encourage your parent to embrace their hearing health journey and enjoy every moment with confidence.
As we age, there are several changes that occur to our hearing, from the inner ear, middle ear and along the nerve pathways to the brain.
Long-term noise exposure, tinnitus, ear wax build-up and other health conditions can also play a role1 in changes to your parent’s hearing health.
Hearing fatigue can show up in many ways5. The sooner you can help your parent take action, the sooner you’re empowering them to reconnect with the sounds of life. Encourage your parent to embrace their hearing health journey and enjoy every moment with confidence.
Illustration of noise induced hearing loss
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Does my parent need a hearing test?
Signs your parent needs hearing aids
About one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age, according to the National Institute on Aging5.
As we age, there are several changes that occur to our hearing, from the inner ear, middle ear and along the nerve pathways to the brain.
Long-term noise exposure, tinnitus, ear wax build-up and other health conditions can also play a role1 in changes to your parent’s hearing health.
Hearing fatigue can show up in many ways5. The sooner you can help your parent take action, the sooner you’re empowering them to reconnect with the sounds of life. Encourage your parent to embrace their hearing health journey and enjoy every moment with confidence.
As we age, there are several changes that occur to our hearing, from the inner ear, middle ear and along the nerve pathways to the brain.
Long-term noise exposure, tinnitus, ear wax build-up and other health conditions can also play a role1 in changes to your parent’s hearing health.
Hearing fatigue can show up in many ways5. The sooner you can help your parent take action, the sooner you’re empowering them to reconnect with the sounds of life. Encourage your parent to embrace their hearing health journey and enjoy every moment with confidence.
How to support a loved one experiencing hearing loss
Providing support to someone with hearing loss
If you notice any of these signs, encourage your loved one to visit a hearing care professional, who can provide a full hearing evaluation.
Book your complimentary hearing assessment with HearUSA. We’re here to help your loved one find a solution that will keep them confidently connected every step of the way.
Book your complimentary hearing assessment with HearUSA. We’re here to help your loved one find a solution that will keep them confidently connected every step of the way.
Sources:
1. Hear Canada. Is it getting harder to hear? https://www.hearcanada.com/blog/2025-05-is-it-getting-harder-to-hear/
2. Bloom Hearing. Hearing Loss Symptoms. https://www.bloomhearing.com.au/hearing-loss/symptoms/
3. Hearing Review. Kochkin, S. and Rogin, C.M., 2000. Quantifying the obvious: The impact of hearing instruments on quality of life. Hearing Review https://hearingreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/KochkinRogin_QuantifyingObvious_0100HR.pdf
American Academy of Audiology. A Systematic Review of Health-Related Quality of Life and Hearing Aids: Final Report of the American Academy of Audiology Task Force on the Health-Related Quality of Life Benefits of Amplification in Adults
https://www.audiology.org/practice-guideline/a-systematic-review-of-health-related-quality-of-life-and-hearing-aids-final-report-of-the-american-academy-of-audiology-task-force-on-the-health-related-quality-of-life-benefits-of-amplification-in/
American Academy of Audiology. Untreated Hearing Loss Linked to Depression, Social Isolation in Seniors
https://www.audiology.org/practice-guideline/untreated-hearing-loss-linked-to-depression-social-isolation-in-seniors/
4. HearUSA: Be on the lookout: Signs of hearing loss: https://www.hearusa.com/hearing-loss/signs/
5. National Institute on Aging: Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
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