As you age, many health and well-being concerns may linger in your mind: silent dementia symptoms , how you’ve been taking a supplement that may increase heart risk , crepey skin, high cholesterol and more. This list isn’t to stress you out. Actually, it's the opposite: We want to help you prepare yourself and be in the best shape possible , whatever that looks like for you.
On that note, there’s another health concern that a lot of us forget about, even though it has social ramifications and is even linked to dementia risk . The concern, perhaps surprisingly, is hearing loss.
The statistics are significant: Over 1 billion young adults are at risk for permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. Disabling hearing loss affects over 20 percent of people between 65 and 74 years old and 55 percent of people over 75 years old . Additionally, age is the strongest predictor of hearing loss among adults ages 20 to 69, and in some cases, it's irreversible .
So, what can you do to prevent yourself from falling into this group? Protecting your hearing is, of course, necessary. You can order hearing tests, wear protective gear (like earplugs ), monitor volume and have custom molds made for your earphones.
Another vital step is knowing the signs of hearing loss (they can be subtle!) and how to address them. As with most health issues, catching hearing loss early can lead to a more effective treatment plan. Below, an audiologist shares which signs to look out for.
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7 Subtle Signs of Hearing Loss, According to an Audiologist
If you notice yourself doing any of these things regularly, it could mean you're dealing with the early stages of hearing loss:
1. Asking people to repeat themselves more often
We all have moments when we miss what someone said, and that’s not a cause for concern. But if you or someone else is asking someone to repeat themselves more often, or what seems like “a lot,” they may have hearing loss.
“This tends to come out as, ‘Sorry, what was that?” and people usually blame it on being distracted, but it can be an early sign that clarity is missing,” says Dr. Rachel Artsma, Au.D, CCC-A , the senior audiologist at hear.com .
2. Struggling to keep up in noisy places
In crowded, loud spaces, someone with hearing loss may find it difficult to detect one voice or word from another. They may mishear or be unable to hear what a person is saying.
“Crowded restaurants or family gatherings feel harder to follow, even though you can hear sound,” Dr. Artsma says. “Picking out speech becomes the challenge as the brain works harder to fill in missing sounds.”
3. Turning up the TV or phone louder than others prefer
This sign is “very common,” according to Dr. Artsma, and one that people will notice in someone else before they notice it in themselves.
Related: ‘I’m a Hearing Doctor—These Are 3 Things I Would Never, Ever Do With My Ears’
4. Feeling like everyone mumbles
Hearing or saying something like, “Everyone talks so quietly these days,” is another subtle sign. “The real issue is missing the higher-pitched sounds that give speech its crispness,” Dr. Artsma says.
5. Trouble understanding on the phone
Communication isn’t only verbal or auditory; it’s also in our body language . Unfortunately, that’s missing in phone conversations, so if you don't struggle to hear someone in person but do on the phone, that could be a red flag. “Without visual cues, like lip movements and facial expressions, it becomes more noticeable that the words are not as clear as they used to be,” Dr. Artsma says.
6. Listening feels tiring
People with hearing loss have to put more energy and effort into having conversations . That can be exhausting. “You may notice you feel drained after meetings or conversations because your brain is working overtime to fill in what your ears miss,” Dr. Artsma says.
7. Pulling back in social situations
Social isolation, or even saying “no” to plans more often, can signal several concerns, such as depression and feeling misunderstood. Often unnoticed or unrecognized, however, is how it can be a sign of hearing loss. Dr. Artsma explains why, saying, “They just find themselves checking out of conversations or avoiding group settings because it takes so much effort to keep up.”
What To Do if You Notice Signs of Hearing Loss
If you notice any of those signs, the first and most important step Dr. Artsma encourages is getting a professional hearing evaluation. “It is quick, painless and gives a clear picture of what is going on,” she says.
Think your signs are “no big deal”? Consider this: On average, it takes individuals eight to 10 years to address their hearing loss, which is unfortunate, because hearing loss is easiest to address when you catch it early. “A hearing test not only provides answers; it also gives people peace of mind,” Dr. Artsma adds.
Another important step is talking to someone about what you’re experiencing. “Often, a family member or close friend has already noticed changes, and their perspective can help validate what you are feeling,” Dr. Artsma says. “From there, it becomes much easier to take action.”
If you do need a hearing aid, you might feel nervous. That’s fair—and, know your worries may not be rooted in fact. “Today’s technology is far more discreet, comfortable and personalized than most people realize, so people are often relieved once they explore their options,” Dr. Artsma tells Parade . “The key message is that you do not have to ‘just live with it,’ and the earlier you take that step, the better your outcomes tend to be.”
The Importance of Hearing Health
The bottom line is this: Don’t brush signs of hearing loss to the side, no matter how subtle they are. Hearing is integral to health. “Many people do not realize how strongly hearing is connected to confidence , social engagement and even cognitive health,” Dr. Artsma says. “When someone addresses hearing changes early, they often notice improvements not only in communication but in their energy levels , relationships and overall quality of life . Taking that first step—whether it is a hearing test or simply acknowledging the signs—can make a meaningful difference long-term.”
Up Next:
Sources:
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Dr. Rachel Artsma , senior audiologist at hear.com .
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Deafness and hearing loss , World Health Organization
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Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, & Dizziness , National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
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Is Hearing Loss Reversible? , Northwestern Medicine
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4 Ways to Protect Your Hearing , John Hopkins Medicine
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Listen Up! , AARP
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Wellness section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
