Even if your family and friends keep telling you that you have hearing problems, you may not accept what they say. You may think that they're exaggerating or that you can't hear as well as you used to because you're getting older and that some hearing loss is natural.

While this is partially true, you don't necessarily have to put up with impaired hearing. A hearing aid may make things better. Apart from the advice and nagging you're getting from people around you, how can you tell that you might need help with your hearing?

Look for Signs of Hearing Loss

There are common signs that hearing is deteriorating. For example, you may get exasperated with people because you think they mumble all the time or talk too quietly. This may not be true; maybe you're just not hearing them so well anymore. 

You'll also probably find that you need to have the TV volume up louder than you used to. You may not notice the change. However, if people who watch TV with you regularly ask you to turn down the volume because it's too loud, then this is a sign you aren't hearing well.

In some cases, your hearing may seem fine when you're in a quiet environment talking to one or two people. However, you may find it hard to hear when there is a lot of background noise. For example, if you're eating in a loud restaurant, then you'll struggle to hear what your companions say.

Book a Hearing Test

Even if you still don't think you have a hearing problem, you have nothing to lose by going to a clinic for a hearing test. This will settle the issue once and for all. If everything is fine and you were right, then your family and friends can stop saying you're deaf. If they were right, you can do something about the problem. 

For example, after your assessment, the clinic staff can talk to you about your hearing problems. In some cases, you may simply have a buildup of ear wax. Excess wax in the ears can affect hearing; having this wax removed improves your hearing immediately. 

If you do have some hearing loss, then hearing aids may help. You may just need a simple aid that gives you a volume boost to compensate for natural, age-related hearing problems. If an aid can turn up the volume a little, your deafness will be less of an issue.