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

When should you schedule a hearing test? Here are a few indications that suggest you should get your hearing evaluated.

Recently, my kids complained about how loud my TV was. Do you know what I said to them? I said, “What?!” It was intended to be humorous. But there’s nothing comical about untreated hearing loss. The TV has been getting louder and louder. And I started to question whether I should set up a hearing assessment.

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 comfort level. You just need to take a brief minute to schedule an appointment.

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

Indications you should get a hearing exam

If you’ve recently experienced any symptoms of hearing loss, it’s probably a good plan to get a professional hearing screening. Clearly, if things are hard to hear, that’s a rather solid indication of hearing loss.

• Background noise can be overwhelming: Have you ever struggled to hear a conversation in a loud or crowded setting, where the surrounding din makes it tough to hear every word? It’s possible that this might be an indication of a loss of hearing.
• People always seem to be talking unclearly: The issue might not always be volume but instead clarity.
• You’re always overlooking text messages: Your phone is made to be loud. So, if you’re always missing calls or text messages, it might be because you aren’t hearing them.
• Ringing that won’t go away: Ringing in your ears, also known as tinnitus, is often an indication of hearing damage.

Other indications you should make an appointment for a hearing test:

• Your ear is still blocked following an infection
• You have a buildup of earwax you can’t clear by yourself
• You take certain medications that can harm your hearing
• Distinguishing where sounds are originating from can be challenging
• You’re experiencing balance problems

Regular checkups

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

• It is encouraged to have a baseline test carried out after reaching the age of 21.
• For individuals with normal hearing, it’s recommended to have a hearing test every three years.
• If you display signs of hearing impairment, have it evaluated right away and then annually thereafter.

Regular screenings might detect hearing loss early, before any symptom are noticeable. Early professional attention can dramatically increase your chances of maintaining healthy hearing over time. So you should decrease the volume on your television and consider setting up a hearing assessment.