Most people don’t come into Alto asking for hearing aids. They say, “People just mumble these days,” or “I’m too young for hearing aids.” We hear comments like these every week.
You might follow a conversation at home without much trouble. In meetings at work or over dinner with friends, you find yourself missing words or struggling to keep up.
Adults can need hearing aids at any age. You can have your hearing assessed while you’re still unsure about wearing them.
In this article
“My hearing’s not that bad. I’m too young for hearing aids.”
You may follow a one-to-one conversation across a desk and struggle as soon as several people start talking. That deserves attention even if you manage most of the day without difficulty.
We look at your hearing results alongside the situations you find difficult.
“I just need people to stop mumbling.”
Missing higher-pitched speech sounds can make words seem muffled, even when you can hear someone’s voice. Consonants such as “s” and “f” may be harder to distinguish. Background noise makes the task harder.
Hearing aids amplify sound according to your hearing loss. We adjust the amplification at different pitches, then check the fitting and how you hear with them. They can make speech easier to follow, though they cannot restore normal hearing or remove every difficulty in noise.
“Won’t they make everything sound weird?”
Your own voice may sound different at first. Rustling paper, running water or cutlery can seem more noticeable. Getting used to hearing aids can take weeks or months, and follow-up adjustments can help.
Tell your audiologist if the aids hurt, do not fit well or make sounds uncomfortably loud. Describe what you hear and where it happens.
Our guide to what hearing aids sound like includes a listening demonstration and explains what may need adjusting.
“Aren’t they still those big beige things behind your ears?”
Many hearing aids are small and available in different colours. Some sit behind the ear with a fine wire leading to the earpiece; others fit inside the ear. The smallest style will not suit every ear or degree of hearing loss.
Many models can stream calls or music from a compatible phone. Your phone may run the app without supporting streaming or hands-free calls. The functions available depend on the exact phone, hearing-aid model and software versions. Television audio may need a separate accessory.
“My friend bought some online for a hundred quid.”
Some products sold online are sound amplifiers. Others are hearing aids, sometimes supplied with professional support.
Check who assesses your hearing, how the device is fitted and adjusted, and what happens if you are still missing speech. At Alto, the recommendation includes the hearing aid, the dome or custom earpiece, any accessories and the support you need afterwards.
“Do I have to wear them all day?”
Regular use helps you get used to the sound. Your audiologist can help you build up wearing time and agree a routine with you. Hearing aids are usually removed for sleep and when showering or swimming.
If you keep taking them out because they are uncomfortable or sound wrong, tell us. At follow-up, we can check the earpiece and settings and discuss the situations you find difficult.
“What happens if I ignore it?”
Following conversation can become tiring when you keep missing words. You may find yourself contributing less in meetings or avoiding a restaurant because listening takes too much effort.
Hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. That link does not prove that hearing aids prevent dementia. Our guides to hearing loss and cognitive decline and WHO guidance on hearing aids and dementia risk explain the evidence and its limits.
Common questions
How do I know if I’m too young for hearing aids?
Adults can need hearing aids at any age. Repeatedly missing words, asking people to repeat themselves or struggling in groups is a reason to have your hearing assessed. We use your hearing results and the effect on daily life to decide whether hearing aids would help.
Do hearing aids just make things louder?
They make sounds more audible and can be adjusted to give different amounts of amplification at different pitches. This can make speech easier to follow, but hearing aids cannot restore normal hearing.
How long before they feel normal?
It can take weeks or months. Regular use and follow-up adjustments help. Contact your audiologist if sound is uncomfortably loud, the earpiece hurts or you are struggling to use the aids.
Why not just buy them online?
Some online providers offer hearing aids with professional support; others sell sound amplifiers. Check the assessment, fitting, adjustments and aftercare included, rather than deciding from the price alone.
Why fix it early?
You can get help with the conversations you are missing now, even if you manage well for much of the day. An assessment can explain what is happening and whether hearing aids would help.
For sudden hearing loss, hearing that has worsened over days or weeks, or hearing loss with earache or discharge, seek an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
What happens at a Complete Hearing Assessment?
A Complete Hearing Assessment takes 90 minutes and costs £75. We check ear health, measure hearing levels and assess how you follow speech in noise. We also discuss where you are struggling, whether that is work, family conversation or the television.
We explain your results and whether you need hearing aids, monitoring or medical advice. If we recommend hearing aids, we discuss the fitting, accessories and follow-up support.
Clinics in Kenilworth, Lutterworth, Market Bosworth and Clitheroe.