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

At what point should you think about having your hearing assessed? Here are some indications that suggest you should get your hearing tested.

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 amusing because it was a joke. But it also wasn’t. The TV has been getting louder and louder. And I started to ponder: Should I get a hearing exam?

There aren’t many good reasons not to arrange a hearing test. They’re not invasive, there’s no radiation, and you don’t have to feel uneasy about discomfort. Simply take a quick moment to book an appointment.

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

Indications you should get a hearing exam

If you’ve noticed any recent changes that might be indicative of hearing loss, scheduling a comprehensive hearing examination with a professional is likely a smart decision. If it’s difficult to hear, it likely means there’s substantial hearing impairment.

• Background noise can be overwhelming: Have you ever strained to focus on a conversation in a loud or crowded space, where the surrounding din makes it difficult to hear every word? It’s possible that this could be an indication of impaired hearing.
• People always seem to be speaking unclearly: The problem may not always be volume but instead definition.
• You frequently miss text messages: Your phone is intended to be attention-grabbing. If you frequently fail to notice incoming calls or texts, the issue may be that you’re not able to hear them.
• Relentless ringing sound: A continuous sensation of ringing in your ears, referred to as tinnitus, is frequently an indication of damage to your hearing.

Here are a few other situations that indicate you should schedule a hearing screening:

• Your ear hasn’t opened after an infection
• You have an accumulation of earwax you can’t get rid of on your own
• You take specific medications that can harm your hearing
• Distinguishing where sounds are coming from can be difficult
• You’re experiencing balance problems

Routine hearing assessments

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

• It is encouraged to have a baseline test completed after reaching the age of 21.
• If your hearing is normal, get hearing assessments every three years.
• If you display signs of hearing loss, have it assessed immediately and then annually thereafter.

Regular screenings can help you detect hearing loss before any red flags appear. Prompt professional attention can considerably improve your chances of maintaining healthy hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and set up a hearing test.