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“Everyone’s mumbling” might be the most-mentioned complaint at the Christmas table. But if Mum or Dad is asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV or quietly dropping out of group conversations, it may be more than a noisy lunch.

Gradual hearing changes can be easy to miss, especially when someone manages well in a quiet room. Family gatherings bring background chatter, clattering plates and people talking from across the table. All at once. That can make it much harder to follow speech.

As an audiologist, I encourage families to treat these moments as a reason to check in, not as proof of a problem. A hearing assessment can help clarify what’s going on and what to do next.

7 signs of hearing loss to look out for at Christmas

One sign on its own doesn’t confirm hearing loss. But if you recognise a pattern, particularly one that’s affecting conversations or daily life, book a hearing check rather than dismissing it as “just getting older.”

1. The TV is louder than everyone else likes.
   Mum may say the dialogue is too quiet, even when the rest of the family can hear it comfortably. Trouble following TV dialogue can be a sign that speech sounds less clear.

2. They often ask people to repeat themselves.
   You might hear “What was that?” or “Sorry, say that again” throughout lunch. This is especially noticeable when someone speaks from another room, turns away or talks quickly.

3. They retreat from group conversations.
   Keeping up with several people at once takes effort. A family member who becomes quiet, watches rather than joins in, or finds an excuse to leave may be tired of struggling to follow the conversation, not uninterested in the family.

4. They put phone calls on speaker.
   Speakerphone can make voices easier to hear, but it isn’t a diagnosis. Notice whether calls are frequently missed, difficult to follow, or only manageable when the phone is turned right up.

5. They say, “Everyone mumbles.”
   This is worth listening to. Some hearing changes affect the clarity of speech sounds, so voices can seem muffled even when the speaker is talking normally. If it’s a recurring complaint, arrange a hearing check.

6. They hear voices but struggle to understand them in noise.
   This is common at a busy lunch. A person may hear that someone is speaking but miss the words when several conversations overlap. Speech can be particularly hard to follow when there’s background noise or the speaker isn’t facing them.

7. They miss the punchline, or the lead-up to it.
   A joke often depends on catching a quick comment, a name or a few words spoken while others are talking. Missing those details can leave someone feeling left out, even if they smile along.

Practical takeaway: Pay attention to repeated patterns across different settings, not just one difficult lunch. Notice what seems hard to hear and ask whether your family member would like help arranging a check.

Why can hearing change make speech sound like mumbling?

Hearing involves more than noticing that a sound is there. It also means making sense of the words, especially when people speak quickly or background noise competes for attention.

Some hearing changes affect the clearer, higher-pitched details in speech. When those details are harder to hear, words may sound less distinct. In a quiet one-to-one chat, a person may manage fairly well. At Christmas lunch, several voices and clattering dishes can make the same conversation much more difficult.

Hearing difficulties can also have different causes. Earwax can temporarily reduce hearing, while other hearing changes may need a different response. Don’t assume the cause, or try to fix a blocked ear with cotton buds. Read our guide on blocked ears and hearing loss to learn why it’s worth getting the ears checked.

For example, Robin shared that their partner Stephen’s ears became blocked after swimming with his grandchildren. At Pristine Hearing, his ears were cleaned and Robin reported that his hearing returned to normal within about 15 minutes. That’s one person’s experience, not a way to diagnose everyone’s hearing. If hearing remains muffled after wax is addressed, or you’re unsure what’s causing it, get it assessed.

How to raise the subject with a parent, gently

It can feel awkward to bring up hearing, especially if your parent feels criticised or insists everything is fine. Keep the conversation kind, specific and focused on making family time easier.

1. Choose a quiet, private moment. Don’t raise it across the dinner table or in front of the whole family.
2. Describe what you’ve noticed without labelling them. Try: “I noticed it was hard to hear everyone at lunch. Was it difficult for you too?”
3. Ask how they feel about it. They may already find phone calls, television or busy cafés frustrating.
4. Offer practical help. You could find a clinic, check appointment options or go along for support.
5. Leave room for them to decide. A hearing check is a helpful next step, not a demand to get hearing aids.

Avoid teasing, speaking loudly from another room, or saying “You need hearing aids” before anyone has checked what’s happening. A more helpful opening is: “Would you be open to getting your hearing checked? It could make conversations easier.”

What happens at a hearing check in Perth?

A hearing check can help you understand whether further assessment is needed. A brief screening is not the same as a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, which looks in more detail at hearing and helps guide next steps.

At Pristine Hearing, I help patients understand their options and what an assessment involves. If you’re looking for a hearing test in Perth, ask when you book what type of appointment is recommended and whether any fees apply to your circumstances.

Some people may qualify for a free hearing test in Perth through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP). Eligibility rules apply, so don’t assume every appointment or service is free. You can read our guide to finding a free hearing test in Perth and contact us to discuss your situation.

If hearing aids are recommended, there may also be government assistance for eligible people. Families helping a parent can start with our pensioner hearing aid subsidy guide. Check eligibility, available support and any costs before making decisions.

When should you seek urgent medical advice?

Most gradual hearing changes can be discussed at a booked appointment. Sudden hearing loss is different: seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine hearing check. Visit healthdirect’s hearing loss guidance for information on symptoms and care.

Make this Christmas easier to hear

A few small changes can help everyone take part:

• Choose a quieter spot and turn down music or background television.
• Sit face-to-face so it’s easier to see who is speaking.
• Speak clearly and naturally; shouting can make speech harder to understand.
• Bring them into the conversation by saying their name and sharing the topic if they’ve missed a turn.
• Check in privately rather than assuming they’re following along.

These steps can make lunch more comfortable, but they don’t replace a hearing assessment when the difficulty keeps happening.

If “everyone’s mumbling” has become a familiar refrain in your family, take it as a good reason to check in. Book a hearing check with Pristine Hearing Perth or call (08) 6336 7170. I’ll help you understand the next steps, discuss free instant quotes, and explain available rebate assistance and payment options. No pressure, just clear advice so your family can enjoy more of the conversation, punchlines and Christmas memories.