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

When should you schedule a hearing exam? Here are a few indications you should have your hearing assessed.

Recently, my children expressed discontent with the loud volume of the TV. My answer …” What?!” It was amusing because it was a joke. But it also wasn’t. The volume of the TV has been increasing. And I began to ponder: 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. Just take a quick moment to book an appointment.

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

You should have your hearing assessed if you observe these signs

If you’ve noticed any recent changes that might be indicative of hearing loss, scheduling a comprehensive hearing examination with a professional is probably a smart decision. If it’s hard to hear, it most likely means there’s considerable hearing impairment.

• It’s difficult to hear in noisy places: Have you ever been to a crowded or noisy space and had difficulty keeping up with the conversation because of all the background noise? It’s possible that this might be an indication of impaired hearing.
• People always seem to be speaking unclearly: The problem may not always be volume but rather clarity.
• You often miss text messages: Your phone is intended to be loud. If you regularly 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 known as tinnitus, is often an indication of hearing damage.

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

• Your ear is still clogged following an infection
• You have an accumulation of earwax you can’t remove by yourself
• Medications you’re taking might be damaging your hearing
• Identifying where sounds are coming from can be difficult
• You have vertigo

Routine hearing evaluations

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

• Get a baseline test done at some point after you turn 21.
• If your hearing is healthy, undergo hearing screenings every three years.
• If you demonstrate signs of hearing loss, get it checked immediately and then annually after that.

Regular screenings may identify hearing loss early, before any warning signs are evident. Early professional attention can significantly increase your chances of maintaining healthy hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and set up a hearing test.