From restless.co.uk
As summer fades and autumn arrives, you might notice conversations seem less clear, or you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often, making it more difficult to engage in meaningful conversation. While the changing seasons don’t directly cause hearing loss, cooler, darker days can make existing difficulties more noticeable.
Hearing loss often develops gradually, so it isn’t always obvious at first. Rather than waking up one day and realising something’s changed, you might start to struggle in certain situations – maybe when several people are talking at once, the television is competing with other sounds, or you can’t clearly see the face of the person speaking. And as nights draw in, these situations might crop up more often.
So, why might your hearing feel different at this time of year, and what can you do about it? Below, we explore five possible reasons and share some simple steps that might help.
1. Colds and congestion can make sounds seem muffled
Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections are more common during autumn and winter – and as well as causing a sore throat or blocked nose, they can affect your ears.
The middle ear is connected to the back of the nose by a passage called the Eustachian tube, which helps regulate pressure and drain fluid. When you have a cold, inflammation and mucus can stop this tube from working properly, and as a result, your ears may feel blocked, sounds may seem muffled, and you might notice popping or crackling noises.
These symptoms are usually temporary and should improve as your cold clears. However, it’s better not to assume that congestion is behind every hearing change. If your hearing still doesn’t seem right after you’ve recovered, a hearing assessment can help you understand what’s going on.
According to the NHS, you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact 111 if you experience sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, if your hearing worsens over several days or weeks, or if it’s accompanied by symptoms like earache or discharge.
2. Noisy indoor spaces can make conversations trickier to follow
When the weather is warm, socialising might mean a walk in the park, a quiet afternoon in the garden, or a few drinks outside. Once autumn arrives, however, gatherings tend to move indoors, often to busy cafés, pubs, and restaurants, and following a conversation can become more challenging.
Sound bounces off hard surfaces, music might be playing in the background, and nearby conversations can be distracting. Even people with good hearing can struggle to catch every word, but these environments can be particularly challenging for people with hearing loss.
You might be able to hear that someone’s speaking without making out exactly what they’re saying. Or maybe you can follow a one-to-one conversation but lose track as soon as several people join in. The extra concentration this takes can also leave you feeling surprisingly tired after socialising.
Choosing a quieter table, sitting with your back to a wall, and facing the person you’re speaking to can all help. But if noisy rooms often leave you feeling drained or shut out of conversations, it could be a sign that your hearing has changed.
3. Darker days can make visual cues more difficult to read
As daylight hours shorten, conversations are more likely to take place after dark or in dimly lit rooms. If you can’t see someone’s face properly, following what they’re saying can suddenly feel more difficult, even though your hearing itself hasn’t changed.
A few simple adjustments can help here. Turn on a light or lamp if possible, avoid sitting with a bright window or light behind you, and ask the other person to face you while they speak. If you wear glasses, keeping the lenses clean and your prescription up to date can also make a difference.
It can be tempting to blame these difficulties on poor lighting or other people mumbling. But if you increasingly need to see someone’s face to follow a conversation, it’s worth paying attention.
4. Autumn weather and clothing can interfere with hearing aids
Modern hearing aids are designed for everyday life, but autumn and winter can still bring practical challenges. Wind passing over the microphones can create a rushing sound, making speech and other sounds more difficult to hear. Many newer devices have settings designed to reduce wind noise, so if this is a problem for you, you could ask a hearing care professional whether yours can be adjusted.
Rain and condensation can also cause problems. Although many hearing aids are water-resistant, that doesn’t mean they’re waterproof. Try to keep yours clean and dry, wipe them gently with a soft cloth if they get wet, and consider using a hearing-aid drying box. You should avoid placing them directly on a radiator, as excessive heat can cause damage.
Hats, hoods, and scarves can interfere with hearing aids, too. A hat or hood might partially cover the microphones, while scarves and collars can create distracting rustling sounds, or even knock a device out of place. A looser hat that sits above your ears could be more comfortable, and it’s worth checking that your hearing aids are secure after removing a hat, scarf, or glasses.
If your hearing aids sound distorted, cut out, or feel uncomfortable, your hearing care professional can check whether they need cleaning, maintenance, or adjustment.
5. A change in routine can reveal difficulties you hadn’t noticed
A seasonal change in routine can make these habits more obvious. You might return to a class after the summer, have friends or family over, or attend more social events. In less familiar situations, the small adjustments you’ve come to rely on may no longer work either.
Perhaps the TV volume has gradually crept up, you’re missing the doorbell more often, or everyone seems to have started mumbling. Or maybe you’ve found yourself avoiding phone calls or letting someone else answer because following the conversation feels like too much effort.
Noticing when and where you struggle can help you build a clearer picture of your hearing. Keeping a short note of any difficult situations may also help you spot patterns you’d otherwise miss.
What difference could better hearing make?
It’s easy to put off having your hearing checked, particularly if you’re worried that you’ll be told you need hearing aids. But an assessment doesn’t commit you to anything; it simply gives you a clearer understanding of your hearing health and the available options.
Better hearing isn’t only about turning down the television. It can mean catching the punchline of a joke, joining in a conversation over dinner, enjoying a theatre trip, or simply hearing birdsong on an autumn walk. When you’re no longer straining to keep up, social occasions might feel less tiring, helping you feel more relaxed, confident, and involved. Those around you will likely feel more relaxed, too, as connecting will feel more natural; there’ll be fewer misunderstandings, and friends and family members won’t be preoccupied with whether you can hear them.
A hearing care professional can help establish whether you have hearing loss or if something else is affecting how clearly you hear. If hearing aids are recommended, modern devices come in a wide range of discreet styles and can be tailored to your hearing, lifestyle, and preferences.
Final thoughts…
Seasonal changes don’t usually cause permanent hearing loss, but they can make existing difficulties more noticeable. If you’ve noticed a lasting change, or everyday conversations are becoming more difficult to follow, it’s worth finding out why.
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