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

At what point should you think about having your hearing evaluated? Here are a few signs you need to have your hearing assessed.

Recently, my children expressed discontent with the high volume of the TV. Do you want to know what I said to them? I said, “What?!” It was funny because it was a joke. But it also wasn’t. The volume of the TV has been escalating. And I started 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 feel uneasy about discomfort. Just take a quick moment to book an appointment.

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

Signs you should get a hearing test

If you’ve noticed any recent changes that may be a sign of hearing loss, booking a comprehensive hearing examination with a professional is likely a smart decision. Obviously, if things are hard to hear, that’s a fairly solid indication of hearing loss.

• Ambient noise can be overpowering: Have you ever struggled to hear a conversation in a loud or crowded space, where the surrounding din makes it hard to hear every word? That may be an indication of hearing loss.
• It sounds like everybody’s mumbling all the time: Sometimes it’s not loss of volume you need to worry about, it’s a loss of definition.
• You’re always missing text messages: Your phone is made to be loud. So, if you’re constantly missing calls or text messages, it might be because you’re noy hearing them.
• Persistent ringing sound: A continuous sensation of ringing in your ears, referred to as tinnitus, is often an indication of damage to your hearing.

Here are some other situations that suggest you should arrange a hearing evaluation:

• Your ear is still blocked following an infection
• You have an accumulation of earwax you can’t get rid of on your own
• Medications you’re taking might be damaging your hearing
• Identifying where sounds are coming from can be difficult
• You’re experiencing balance issues

Regular checkups

But what if you haven’t noticed any of these signs of hearing loss? Is there a guideline for how often you should have your hearing checked?

• Get a baseline test done at some point after you’re 21.
• If your hearing is normal, undergo hearing screenings every three years.
• If you demonstrate signs of hearing loss, get it checked out right away and then annually after that.

Regular screenings might detect hearing loss early, before any warning signs are obvious. The sooner you get treatment, the better you’ll be able to maintain your hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and schedule a hearing test.