Should I Get a Hearing Test?

When should you get a hearing assessment? Here are a few signs you need to have your hearing checked.

Recently, my children expressed discontent with the loud volume of the TV. My answer …” What?!” It was funny because it was a joke. But there’s nothing comical about untreated hearing loss. The volume of the TV has been escalating. And I began to wonder: Should I get a hearing test?

There’s no good reason to avoid scheduling a hearing test. They aren’t 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 substantial effect that unaddressed hearing loss can have on your overall well-being, it’s critical to be proactive about monitoring your hearing.

Indications you should get a hearing test

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

• Background noise can be overwhelming: Have you ever struggled to hear a conversation in a noisy or crowded space, where the surrounding din makes it hard to catch every word? That might be an indication of hearing loss.
• It sounds like everybody’s mumbling all the time: In some cases it’s not loss of volume you have to be concerned about, it’s a loss of clarity.
• You’re always overlooking text messages: Your phone is made to be loud. So, if you’re constantly missing calls or text messages, it could be because you aren’t hearing them.
• Ringing that won’t go away: Ringing in your ears, also called tinnitus, is typically a sign of hearing damage.

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

• Your ear hasn’t cleared after an infection
• You have a buildup of earwax you can’t remove by yourself
• Medications you’re taking may be damaging your hearing
• It is difficult to pinpoint the source of sounds
• You’re experiencing balance issues

Regular checkups

Even if you’re not observing any noticeable symptoms, it’s still significant to schedule routine hearing exams.

• Get a baseline test done sometime after you turn 21.
• For people with typical hearing, it’s advised to have a hearing test every three years.
• If you demonstrate symptoms of hearing loss, have it checked immediately and then annually after that.

Regular screenings might identify hearing loss early, before any warning signs are obvious. The earlier you get treatment, the better you’ll be able to preserve your hearing over time. So you should decrease the volume on your television and consider setting up a hearing test.