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

Woman in a booth getting a hearing test.

At what point should you think about getting your hearing assessed? Here are some indications that reveal you should have your hearing checked.

Recently, my children expressed displeasure with the loud volume of the TV. My answer …” What?!” It was amusing because it was a joke. But it also wasn’t. The TV has been getting louder and louder. And I started to wonder: Should I get a hearing exam?

There aren’t many good reasons not to set up a hearing exam. They are non-intrusive, they don’t involve any radiation, and you can be at ease without worries about your comfort level. You just need to take a brief minute to schedule an appointment.

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

You should have your hearing checked if you detect these signs

If you’ve noticed any recent changes that may be indicative of hearing loss, booking a thorough hearing assessment with a professional is likely a wise decision. If it’s difficult to hear, it likely means there’s considerable hearing impairment.

  • It’s hard to hear in noisy locations: Have you ever been to a crowded or noisy room and had trouble keeping up with the conversation because of all the background noise? It’s possible that this might be an indication of a loss of hearing.
  • People always seem to be talking unclearly: The problem may not always be volume but rather definition.
  • You’re always missing text messages: Your phone is designed to be loud. So, if you’re constantly missing calls or text messages, it might be because you’re noy hearing them.
  • Relentless ringing sound: A continuous sensation of ringing in your ears, knowned as tinnitus, is typically a sign of damage to your hearing.

Here are some other scenarios that indicate you should schedule a hearing assessment:

  • Your ear is still blocked following an infection
  • Excess earwax has accumulated and can’t be eliminated by self-cleaning approaches
  • Medicines you’re taking may be damaging your hearing
  • It is hard to pinpoint the source of sounds
  • You have vertigo

Regular checkups

But what if you haven’t noticed any of these indications of hearing loss? Is there a criteria for how often you should get your hearing tested?

  • 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 evaluation every three years.
  • If you display symptoms of hearing impairment, have it checked immediately and then every year afterwards.

Regular assessments can help you identify hearing loss before any red flags appear. Prompt professional attention can considerably increase your chances of preserving healthy hearing over time. So you should decrease the volume on your television and consider aranging a hearing test.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.