Seeing your GP
Early signs of hearing loss
A hearing problem can affect your ability to enjoy life to the full. The first step is to see your doctor. Some conditions, such as ear infections, can be treated. If your hearing loss is permanent your doctor will refer you to an audiologist or ear specialist for expert help and advice.
One in 10 Australians report that they cannot hear properly. If you think you are having difficulty hearing clearly, you are not alone. Some early warning signs of hearing loss are:
- you can hear but not understand
- you find it harder to hear in noisy situations with groups of people
- you have difficulty understanding people unless they are facing you
- you think people mumble
- you don't always hear the doorbell or the phone
- you need to turn the TV up louder than other people.
