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

At what point should you think about getting your hearing evaluated? Here are several indications you need to get your hearing assessed.

The other day, my kids complained about how loud my television was. Do you want to know what I said to them? I said, “What?!” It was intended to be funny. But there’s nothing comical about untreated hearing loss. The television has been getting louder and louder. And I started to wonder: 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 level of comfort. Just take a quick moment to book an appointment.

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

Signs you should get a hearing test

If you’ve detected any recent changes that might be a sign of hearing loss, scheduling a comprehensive hearing evaluation with a professional is likely a smart decision. If it’s difficult to hear, it likely means there’s considerable hearing impairment.

• It’s difficult to hear in noisy venues: Have you ever been to a crowded or noisy room and had trouble following the conversation because of all the ambient noise? That might be a sign of hearing loss.
• People always seem to be talking unclearly: The problem might not always be volume but rather definition.
• You often overlook text messages: Your phone is designed to be attention-grabbing. If you regularly fail to observe incoming calls or texts, the issue may be that you’re not able to hear them.
• Relentless ringing sound: A constant sensation of ringing in your ears, knowned as tinnitus, is typically a sign of damage to your hearing.

Here are several other situations that suggest you should schedule a hearing evaluation:

• Your ear is still blocked following an infection
• You have a buildup of earwax you can’t get rid of by yourself
• You take specific medications that can damage your hearing
• Identifying where sounds are originating from can be challenging
• You have vertigo

Regular checkups

Even if you aren’t experiencing any noticeable symptoms, it’s still important to schedule regular hearing tests.

• It is recommended to have a baseline test completed after reaching the age of 21.
• For people with normal hearing, it’s recommended to have a hearing assessment every three years.
• If you show signs of hearing loss, get it checked out immediately and then every year after that.

Routine screenings can help you detect hearing loss before any red flags appear. The sooner you seek treatment, the better you’ll be able to maintain your hearing over time. So you should decrease the volume on your television and consider aranging a hearing evaluation.