Hearing loss can creep up on us without much warning, but there are telltale signs that indicate it might be time to explore hearing aid options.

In a recent video, we shared five key signs that signal you might be ready for hearing aids.

If you’ve been noticing difficulties in your everyday interactions, read on to see if any of these resonate with you.

1. Your Spouse Is Getting Frustrated

One of the most common signs that you might be experiencing hearing loss is when your spouse or loved one starts to express frustration about your hearing. Often, people with hearing loss don’t notice the changes themselves, but those closest to them do. If your partner is constantly repeating themself or commenting on your inability to hear, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to get your hearing checked.

Tip: Hearing & Balance Doctors offers comprehensive hearing evaluations to help determine if hearing aids could benefit you. Don’t let a minor issue turn into a bigger problem—book an appointment today.

2. You’re Noticing Ads for Hearing Aids

If you’ve found yourself paying more attention to hearing aid advertisements—whether they’re popping up on your phone or catching your eye on television—it could be your subconscious nudging you to address a hearing problem.

If hearing aids are on your mind, it’s time to take action.

3. You’re Using Speakerphone a Lot

Do you find yourself using speakerphone more than ever before? While speakerphone can be convenient, it also provides more volume by engaging both ears, which is helpful if you’re struggling to hear properly through one ear.

If you’ve been relying on speakerphone for most conversations, it could be an indication that your hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be.

Another related sign is if your family notices that you talk much more loudly than usual on the phone. Often, individuals with hearing loss start raising their voices unconsciously to compensate for what they can’t hear.

4. You Prioritize Your Health

If you’re someone who is proactive about your health—whether that means getting regular checkups, eating well, or exercising—you might also want to stay on top of your hearing health.

Many of our patients come to us after reading about the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, particularly its relationship to conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. If maintaining cognitive health is a priority for you, regular hearing assessments should be part of your routine, especially as you age.

Pro Tip: There’s a strong connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. If you’re concerned about your long-term health, consider a baseline hearing test with our expert team.

5. You’ve Had Too Many Birthdays

It’s a fact of life: As we age, our hearing naturally declines. By the time we reach 55, most people have already experienced some hearing loss, particularly in the higher frequencies.

If you’re over 55 and haven’t had a hearing test, now is the perfect time to schedule one. In fact, statistics show that 80 percent of people in their 80s need hearing aids, so the sooner you get a baseline test, the better equipped you’ll be to manage any changes in your hearing.