At what point should you think about having your hearing assessed? Here are some signs you need to have your hearing checked.
Recently, my children expressed displeasure with the high volume of the TV. Do you want to know what I said to them? I said, “What?!” It was meant to be humerous. But there’s nothing funny about untreated hearing loss. The TV has been getting louder and louder. And I began to think about whether I should schedule a hearing exam.
There aren’t many reasons not to schedule a hearing test. They’re not invasive, there’s no radiation, and you don’t have to be concerned about discomfort. You just need to take a brief moment to set up an appointment.
Given the considerable effect that unaddressed hearing loss can have on your general well-being, it’s essential to be proactive about keeping an eye on your hearing.
You should have your hearing tested if you detect these signs
If you’ve noticed any recent changes that might be indicative of hearing loss, scheduling a thorough hearing assessment with a professional is likely a wise decision. If it’s difficult to hear, it most likely means there’s substantial hearing impairment.
- Ambient noise can be overwhelming: Have you ever strained to focus on a conversation in a noisy or crowded space, where the surrounding din makes it difficult to catch every word? That might be a sign of hearing loss.
- People always seem to be talking unclearly: The issue might not always be volume but instead 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 could be because you aren’t hearing them.
- Relentless ringing sound: A constant sensation of ringing in your ears, referred to as tinnitus, is often a sign of damage to your hearing.
Other indications you should schedule a hearing test:
- Your ear hasn’t cleared after an infection
- You have a buildup of earwax you can’t clear by yourself
- You take certain medications that can harm your hearing
- Determining where sounds are coming from can be challenging
- You’re experiencing balance issues
Routine hearing assessments
But what if you haven’t noticed any of these signs of hearing loss? Is there a criteria for how frequently you should have your hearing checked?
- Get a baseline test done sometime after you’re 21.
- For individuals with typical hearing, it’s advised to have a hearing assessment every three years.
- If you display signs of hearing loss, have it assessed right away and then annually afterwards.
Routine assessments can help you detect hearing loss before any warnings appear. Early professional attention can considerably increase your chances of maintaining healthy hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and set up a hearing test.