How to Know When It’s Time for a Hearing Test

When should you get a hearing assessment? Here are a few signs you should have your hearing assessed.

Recently, my kids complained about how loud my television was. My answer …” What?!” It was meant to be funny. But it also wasn’t. The volume of the TV has been escalating. And I started to ponder: Should I get a hearing test?

There’s no good reason to avoid scheduling a hearing test. They are non-intrusive, they don’t involve any radiation, and you can be at ease without concerns about your comfort level. Simply take a quick moment to book an appointment.

Given the substantial impact that unaddressed hearing loss can have on your general well-being, it’s essential to be proactive about keeping an eye on your hearing.

Indications you should get a hearing exam

If you’ve detected any recent changes that may be indicative of hearing loss, scheduling a comprehensive hearing assessment with a professional is probably a smart decision. If it’s difficult to hear, it most likely means there’s substantial hearing impairment.

• Ambient noise can be overwhelming: Have you ever struggled to focus on a conversation in a noisy or crowded space, where the surrounding racket makes it hard to catch every word? It’s possible that this could be an indication of impaired hearing.
• People always seem to be talking unclearly: The issue may not always be volume but instead clarity.
• You regularly miss text messages: Your phone is designed to be attention-grabbing. If you regularly fail to notice incoming calls or texts, the issue may be that you’re not able to hear them.
• Persistent ringing sound: A constant sensation of ringing in your ears, knowned as tinnitus, is frequently a sign of damage to your hearing.

Here are a few other situations that suggest you should arrange a hearing evaluation:

• Your ear is still blocked following an infection
• Surplus earwax has amassed and can not be removed by self-cleaning approaches
• You take certain medications that can harm your hearing
• It is hard to pinpoint the source of sounds
• You’re experiencing balance problems

Regular checkups

Even if you aren’t observing any noticeable symptoms, it’s still important to schedule routine hearing exams.

• It is encouraged to have a baseline test completed after reaching the age of 21.
• If your hearing is normal, undergo hearing screenings every three years.
• If you display signs of hearing loss, have it checked immediately and then annually afterwards.

Routine screenings might identify hearing loss early, before any warning signs are evident. The sooner you seek treatment, the better you’ll be able to maintain your hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and schedule a hearing test.