Difficulty hearing everyday sounds, such as leaves rustling through trees and rainfall, could indicate undiagnosed hearing loss, an expert has cautioned. This follows RNID, the charity supporting those who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, encouraging people to prioritise their hearing health and complete their free online assessment.

If you’re finding it difficult to hear everyday sounds like rustling leaves or the gentle patter of rain, it might be a sign of undiagnosed hearing loss, warns a specialist. This advice comes as RNID, a charity dedicated to supporting those with hearing impairments, urges people to take their hearing health seriously by utilizing their free online hearing assessment.

A recent RNID study surveyed 1,810 individuals who had never been diagnosed with hearing loss. The results were telling: nearly half (47%) said they struggled to hear the sound of leaves rustling on a windy day, 46% had difficulty hearing someone call their name from another room, and 43% struggled with hearing the sound of nearby rainfall.

About 40% of participants admitted they couldn’t clearly hear the sound of a cyclist’s bell (42%), a knock at the door (40%), or a phone ringing in a room close by (39%).

Crystal Rolfe, an audiologist and RNID’s director of health, explained, “Difficulty hearing certain everyday sounds and frequencies might signal hearing loss. This condition can develop at any age due to various reasons, and it may gradually worsen over time, especially as you age.”

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Adam Felman, 36, from Worthing in West Sussex, received a diagnosis of moderate to severe high-frequency hearing loss and was provided with hearing aids. He arranged a hearing assessment after penning an article about hearing loss in his late 20s and recognising he displayed numerous symptoms.

The musician and freelance writer explained: “I was missing all sorts of sounds before getting my hearing aids. The ticking of the oven timer, the ‘beep’ when I turned on a PlayStation controller, the crackle of our speakers when they are switched on, but the TV isn’t.

“Birdsong was also a big one for me – it’s so three-dimensional and layered, and I was missing most of it. Some of these are tiny things, but they add up to a really frustrating and muted daily life.”

Ms Rolfe noted RNID’s complimentary online hearing assessment requires approximately three minutes, with outcomes provided instantly.

“There are huge benefits to taking action on undiagnosed hearing loss,” she continued.

“People are suddenly able to communicate more easily and reconnect with friends, family and colleagues. A whole world of sounds you’d forgotten can suddenly open up. People are often amazed at what they’ve been missing.”

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