The “unknowingly deaf” are people living with hearing loss without recognising the signs. They may think everyone mumbles these days.
They may turn the television up louder than everyone else prefers. They may constantly ask people to repeat themselves.
Some become known as “the loud one” in the family because they speak or shout far louder than necessary without realising it.
In many cases, the problem is gradual hearing deterioration combined with tinnitus, the persistent ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sounds in the ears that only the sufferer can hear.
Tinnitus itself can be exhausting. For some people, it becomes a constant background noise that interferes with conversations and makes it difficult to distinguish speech, particularly in pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, or busy workplaces.
Over time, the brain adapts in ways that can mask just how much hearing has actually been lost.
One of the biggest warning signs is volume. People with undiagnosed hearing loss often increase the volume of televisions, radios, phones, and even their own voices. Friends and family may notice long before the individual does.
Another common sign is misunderstanding conversations. Someone may answer the wrong question, laugh at the wrong moment, or appear distracted when, in truth, they simply have not heard properly. This can sometimes lead to frustration, embarrassment, social withdrawal, and even anxiety.
The issue is far more common than many realise. Hearing loss is not just an “old person’s problem.” Long-term exposure to loud music, industrial noise, headphones, traffic, machinery, concerts, and even repeated infections can all contribute. Stress and fatigue can also worsen tinnitus symptoms.
Unfortunately, many people delay getting help because hearing loss develops so gradually that it feels normal. Others fear stigma around hearing aids, despite modern devices being smaller, smarter, and more effective than ever before.
The good news is that recognising the problem is the first step. Simple hearing tests can identify early hearing damage, and treatment or hearing support can dramatically improve quality of life. Protecting hearing from further damage is equally important, especially in noisy environments.
If somebody you know constantly shouts, struggles to follow conversations, or keeps asking “What?” there may be more going on than simple distraction. They may genuinely not realise how much hearing they have lost.
Sometimes the people most affected by hearing loss are the last to notice it.
Your GP can organise a referral to the audiology department at your nearest NHS hospital, or you can book an appointment with a private audiologist, or check out the offerings from high street hearing aid centres. Some opticians not only offer hearing aid services they can offer combined spectacles and hearing aids.
The British Academy of Audiologists can be of help https://baaudiology.org
