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

When should you schedule a hearing assessment? Here are a few indications that suggest you should have your hearing tested.

The other day, my kids complained about how loud my TV was. Do you 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 think about whether I should set up a hearing test.

There aren’t many good reasons not to schedule a hearing exam. They’re non-intrusive, they don’t involve any radiation, and you can be at ease without worries about your level of comfort. You just need to take a brief minute to book an appointment.

Given the substantial impact that neglected hearing loss can have on your overall well-being, it’s vital to be proactive about monitoring your hearing.

Indications you should get a hearing test

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

• Background noise can be overwhelming: 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? It’s possible that this could be an indication of impaired hearing.
• People always seem to be speaking unclearly: The issue might not always be volume but rather clarity.
• You regularly overlook text messages: Your phone is intended to be attention-grabbing. If you regularly fail to notice 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 typically an indication of hearing damage.

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

• 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 might be harming your hearing
• Distinguishing where sounds are coming from can be challenging
• You’re experiencing balance issues

Routine checkups

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

• Get a baseline test done at some point after you’re 21.
• If your hearing is normal, get hearing assessments every three years.
• If you show symptoms of hearing loss, have it checked out immediately and then every year after that.

Routine assessments can help you identify hearing loss before any red flags appear. Prompt professional attention can significantly improve your chances of preserving healthy hearing over time. So you should lower the volume on your television and consider setting up a hearing assessment.