Should I Get a Hearing Test?

When should you schedule a hearing exam? Here are some signs you should get your hearing checked.

Recently, my children expressed displeasure with the loud volume of the TV. 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 increasing. And I began to ponder: Should I get a hearing exam?

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 worries about your level of comfort. Simply take a quick moment to book an appointment.

Considering how much neglected hearing loss can impact your health, it’s important to be more cautious about it.

Signs you should get a hearing test

If you’ve recently experienced any signs of hearing loss, it’s most likely a good idea to get a professional hearing assessment. If it’s difficult to hear, it likely means there’s considerable hearing impairment.

• Background noise can be overpowering: Have you ever struggled to focus on a conversation in a noisy or crowded setting, where the surrounding din makes it hard to hear every word? That may be a sign of hearing loss.
• People always seem to be speaking unclearly: The problem might not always be volume but rather definition.
• You regularly miss text messages: Your phone is intended 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 called tinnitus, is often an indication of hearing damage.

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

• Your ear hasn’t cleared after an infection
• You have a buildup of earwax you can’t remove by yourself
• You take specific medications that can harm your hearing
• It is difficult to pinpoint the source of sounds
• You’re experiencing balance issues

Regular checkups

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

• Get a baseline test done sometime after you turn 21.
• For individuals with typical hearing, it’s advised to have a hearing evaluation every three years.
• If you show signs of hearing loss, have it checked immediately and then yearly after that.

Regular screenings may detect hearing loss early, before any symptom are noticeable. The earlier you get treatment, the better you’ll be able to preserve your hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and schedule a hearing test.