Is my hearing/loss normal?

[Norf]

Last week I went for a hearing test, and the (not NHS) audiologist said I had hearing loss at higher frequencies, and showed me a graph where the line went downwards after a certain point. He recommended a hearing aid.

I then asked how my graph compared to other people my age and he said it was pretty normal.

So, I am left wondering, do most people my age (mid 50s) need aids (but don't know it), or was he just trying to get me to spend money?

I wasn't allowed to take my graph away with me (?), but it was around 2 (whatever the measurement was) where the line started to dip below the 'normal' line. He said it was higher frequencies I struggles with. I only went for the test because I have developed tinnitus.

Can anyone offer any insights?

Completely normal its the pitch have you ever done one of them tests online where it tells you your hearing age. Have you seen them siren things outside shops only kids and teens can hear.

Could you get an NHS test, so you'll be certain they aren't doing it for your money?

If you’ve noticed that everyone mumbles these days, then you might need a hearing aid. If people are still speaking clearly, then you don’t. The idea that most people in their mid-fifties need a hearing aid is ridiculous.

I've not felt my hearing is any worse than anyone else my age.
I've been thinking people on the TV mumble, but I've been going on about that for at least ten years, as do my friends! Ditto hearing people in the pub. I can't hear every word, but pubs are loud these days, and everyone else seems to say the same.

I've not seen any charts online to see if they mirror what I was shown on my graph - I'm not really sure what I'm looking for tbh.

I've got some hearing loss - much as you describe. I struggle in noisy environments. I've been thinking about an in person test. In the meantime I looked for a free test online and found this one https://hearingtest.online/ It gave me a graph for each ear.

@BrownyMousy how interesting, thank you, never imagined this test is possible on line, must give it a whirl! Great start.

Ooh, this looks exactly what I need so I can get some idea if I need to worry or not.
Thanks so much {mention:BrownyMousy}@BrownyMousy!

Great! I just stumbled upon the website a couple of years ago. I might test again to see what has changed.

The RNID have an online test which won't give you results but will say if you should see a professional. I did the test because I had concerns and as a reault I saw my GP and now havd a hearing aid (mid 40s). I'd always recommend going to your GP to get an NHS test in the first instance as I know a few people who had bad experiences with private providers. Some good too, of course, but that was usually after trying NHS aids first.

private hearing aid provider let me try out a hearing aid for a month. If I didn’t like it I could switch to another sort or just give it back.
If your hearing is not bothering you don’t get one. But it’s worth trying out to see if you like the difference it makes