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

When should you get a hearing test? Here are a few signs that reveal you should get your hearing evaluated.

Recently, my children expressed displeasure with the loud volume of the TV. My answer …” What?!” It was meant to be humorous. But it also wasn’t. The television has been getting louder and louder. And I began to question whether I should schedule a hearing exam.

There’s no good reason to avoid scheduling a hearing test. They’re not invasive, there’s no radiation, and you don’t have to be concerned about discomfort. Simply take a quick moment to book an appointment.

Given the considerable effect that unaddressed hearing loss can have on your general well-being, it’s crucial to be proactive about monitoring your hearing.

You should get your hearing checked if you observe these signs

If you’ve noticed any recent changes that may be indicative of hearing loss, scheduling a thorough hearing evaluation with a professional is probably a wise decision. If it’s difficult to hear, it most likely means there’s considerable 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 din makes it tough to hear every word? It’s possible that this could be an indication of impaired hearing.
• People always seem to be talking unclearly: The issue might not always be volume but rather definition.
• You frequently miss text messages: Your phone is meant to be loud. If you routinely fail to observe incoming calls or texts, the issue may be that you’re not able to hear them.
• Ringing that won’t go away: Ringing in your ears, also called tinnitus, is typically an indication of hearing damage.

Here are several other situations that indicate you should arrange a hearing screening:

• Your ear hasn’t cleared after an infection
• You have an accumulation of earwax you can’t remove by yourself
• You take specific medications that can damage your hearing
• It is hard to pinpoint the source of sounds
• You’re experiencing balance problems

Routine hearing assessments

Even if you’re not experiencing any noticeable symptoms, it’s still important to schedule regular hearing exams.

• Get a baseline test done at some point after you turn 21.
• If your hearing is healthy, undergo hearing assessments every three years.
• If you show signs of hearing loss, have it checked out immediately and then every year after that.

Routine screenings might detect hearing loss early, before any warning signs are obvious. Prompt expert attention can substantially improve your chances of preserving healthy hearing over time. So you should lower the volume on your television and consider aranging a hearing evaluation.