When should you get a hearing test? You need a hearing exam if you have any of these four signs.
The other day, my kids complained about how loud my TV was. And guess what I said. I said, “What”? It was funny. Because it was a joke. But it also wasn’t. The TV has been getting louder and louder. And I started to wonder: should I have my hearing tested?
It really doesn’t make much sense to avoid getting a hearing assessment. They aren’t invasive, there’s no radiation, you don’t have to worry about discomfort. It’s really just that you haven’t made time for it.
Considering how much neglected hearing loss can impact your health, you really should be more vigilant about making sure your hearing impairment hasn’t worsened.
There are lots of good reasons why hearing assessments are important. Even mild hearing loss can have an impact on your health and it’s virtually impossible to recognize early hearing loss without a hearing assessment.
So when should you get a hearing test? Here are several ways to tell if you need to consult with us.
You should get your hearing tested if you experience these signs
If you’ve recently encountered any of the signs of hearing loss, it’s definitely a smart plan to get a professional hearing screening. Clearly, it’s a strong indication of hearing loss if you’re having a difficult time hearing.
But that’s not the only symptom, and there are some signs of hearing impairment that are far less apparent:
- It’s difficult to hear in noisy venues: Have you ever been to a busy or noisy space and had difficulty hearing the conversation because of all the background noise? If this sounds familiar you could be experiencing hearing loss. Being able to isolate sounds is one indication of a healthy ear; this ability tends to diminish as hearing loss worsens.
- Ringing that won’t clear itself up: A typical sign of injured hearing is a ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. If you’re experiencing some ringing that won’t stop, it may or may not be a symptom of hearing loss. But it’s certainly an indication that you should schedule a hearing test.
- You don’t always hear alerts for text messages: Your phone (or mobile device, as they’re called now) is designed to be loud. So if you’re constantly missing calls or text messages, it might be because you aren’t hearing them. And if you’re unable to hear your mobile device, what else might you be missing?
- It seems like people are mumbling when they talk: Sometimes, it’s not loss of volume you need to worry about, it’s a loss of distinction. One of the first symptoms of hearing loss is difficulty following conversations. If you experience this happening more often, you may want to schedule a hearing exam.
This list isn’t exhaustive, here are a few more:
- you’re experiencing an ear infection and it won’t go away
- It’s hard to pinpoint the origin of sounds
- You frequently use specific medications that are recognized to have an effect on your hearing.
- Your ears aren’t clearing earwax thoroughly
- You’re experiencing episodes of vertigo
This list, obviously, is not complete. There are other instances of red flags (if, for example, the volume on your TV is maxed out and you still want it to go just a little louder). But any one of these symptoms is worth following up on.
Regular examinations
But how should you deal with it when you’re not sure if you have any signs of hearing loss. Is there a guideline for how frequently you should go get your hearing checked? There’s a guideline for everything, right, so there’s got to be a guideline for this. There are, actually, some recommendations.
- Sometime after you turn 21, you need to have a hearing assessment. That way, you’ll have a baseline of your mature hearing.
- Every three years or so will be a practical schedule if your hearing seems normal. But make sure you note these appointments in your calendar or medical records because it’s easy to forget over these huge periods of time.
- You’ll want to get checked right away if you notice any signs of hearing loss and after that once a year.
Routine screenings can help you discover hearing loss before any warning signs develop. The earlier you find treatment, the better you’ll be able to protect your hearing in the long run. So it’s time to give us a call and make an appointment for a hearing test.