When should you schedule a hearing test? Here are some indications that reveal you should have your hearing evaluated.
The other day, my kids complained about how loud my television was. Do you want to know what I said to them? I said, “What?!” It was funny because it was a joke. But there’s nothing comical about neglected hearing loss. The television has been getting louder and louder. And I began to ponder: Should I get a hearing test?
There aren’t many good reasons not to schedule a hearing test. They’re not invasive, there’s no radiation, and you don’t have to worry about discomfort. You just need to take a brief moment to schedule an appointment.
Considering how much untreated hearing loss can influence your health, it’s important to be more cautious about it.
Indications you should get a hearing exam
If you’ve recently experienced any signs of hearing loss, it’s most likely a good idea to get a professional hearing screening. Clearly, if things are difficult to hear, that’s a pretty solid indication of hearing loss.
- It’s difficult to hear in noisy venues: Have you ever been to a crowded or noisy space and had difficulty following the conversation because of all the ambient noise? It’s possible that this could be an indication of a loss of hearing.
- People always seem to be talking unclearly: The issue may not always be volume but rather definition.
- You’re always missing 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.
- Relentless ringing sound: A continuous sensation of ringing in your ears, knowned as tinnitus, is frequently a sign of damage to your hearing.
Other signs you should schedule a hearing test:
- Your ear hasn’t opened after an infection
- You have a buildup of earwax you can’t get rid of on your own
- Medications you’re taking may be harming your hearing
- It is difficult to identify the source of sounds
- 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 have your hearing checked?
- Get a baseline test done at some point after you turn 21.
- For individuals with typical hearing, it’s recommended to have a hearing exam every three years.
- If you demonstrate signs of hearing loss, get it checked right away and then yearly after that.
Regular screenings might identify hearing loss early, before any symptom are noticeable. The sooner you seek treatment, the better you’ll be able to maintain your hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and set up a hearing test.