21/08/2026
Put subtitles on for everything, even programmes in English? You're not imagining it, and you're definitely not alone.
For a lot of people, it's not about volume at all. It's about clarity. Dialogue can sound present but blurred, especially with background music or regional accents thrown in, which is exactly why turning the TV up doesn't always help.
Paul Harrison, our audiology expert, says subtitles are one of the clearest tells he comes across: people often think their hearing's fine because they can still hear the TV, but they just can't always follow what's being said.
If that sounds familiar, a free hearing test could give you a clear answer either way. No pressure, no obligation, just an honest answer. Call 0800 567 7621 or read the full article to find out what's really going on:
https://www.hearingaid.org.uk/hearing-loss-awareness/i-need-subtitles-all-the-time