When should you schedule a hearing evaluation? Here are some indications you should get your hearing assessed.
Recently, my children expressed displeasure with the loud volume of the TV. My answer …” What?!” It was intended to be funny. But there’s nothing funny about untreated hearing loss. The television has been getting louder and louder. And I began to question whether I should set up a hearing test.
There aren’t many good reasons not to set up a hearing exam. They’re not invasive, there’s no radiation, and you don’t have to worry about discomfort. Just take a quick moment to book an appointment.
Given the significant impact that neglected hearing loss can have on your overall well-being, it’s important to be proactive about monitoring your hearing.
Indications you should get a hearing test
If you’ve detected any recent changes that may be a sign of hearing loss, booking a comprehensive hearing examination with a professional is likely a smart decision. If it’s difficult to hear, it likely means there’s considerable hearing impairment.
- Background noise can be overpowering: Have you ever strained to hear a conversation in a loud or crowded space, where the surrounding din makes it hard to hear every word? That might be a sign of hearing loss.
- It sounds like everyone’s mumbling all the time: In some cases it’s not loss of volume you need to worry about, it’s a loss of clarity.
- You often miss text messages: Your phone is meant to be loud. If you routinely 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 a sign of hearing damage.
Other signs you should schedule a hearing test:
- Your ear is still blocked following an infection
- You have a buildup of earwax you can’t clear on your own
- Medications you’re using may be damaging your hearing
- Distinguishing where sounds are originating from can be difficult
- You’re experiencing balance issues
Regular checkups
But what if you haven’t recognized any of these indications of hearing loss? Is there a guideline for how frequently you should have your hearing checked?
- Get a baseline test done at some point after you’re 21.
- If your hearing is healthy, get hearing screenings every three years.
- If you demonstrate symptoms of hearing loss, get it checked right away and then annually after that.
Regular screenings may identify hearing loss early, before any warning signs are evident. Early professional attention can dramatically improve your chances of preserving healthy hearing over time. So you should lower the volume on your television and think about setting up a hearing test.