When should you schedule a hearing evaluation? Here are some signs you should get your hearing checked.
Recently, my kids complained about how loud my television was. My answer …” What?!” It was meant to be funny. But it also wasn’t. The volume of the TV has been escalating. And I began to wonder: Should I get a hearing exam?
There aren’t many good reasons not to set up a hearing test. They’re not invasive, there’s no radiation, and you don’t have to feel uneasy 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 overall well-being, it’s crucial to be proactive about keeping an eye on your hearing.
Indications you should get a hearing test
If you’ve recently experienced any signs of hearing loss, it’s probably a good idea to get a professional hearing assessment. Clearly, if things are hard to hear, that’s a pretty strong 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? That could be an indication of hearing loss.
- People always seem to be speaking unclearly: The problem might not always be volume but rather definition.
- You’re always missing text messages: Your phone is designed to be loud. So, if you’re always missing calls or text messages, it might be because you’re noy hearing them.
- Relentless ringing sound: A constant sensation of ringing in your ears, knowned as tinnitus, is often a sign of damage to your hearing.
Other signs you should make an appointment for a hearing test:
- Your ear hasn’t cleared after an infection
- Excess earwax has accumulated and can’t be eliminated by self-cleaning methods
- Medicines you’re using may be harming your hearing
- It is difficult to pinpoint the source of sounds
- You have vertigo
Routine hearing evaluations
But what if you haven’t recognized any of these signs of hearing loss? Is there a criteria for how often you should have your hearing tested?
- It is encouraged to have a baseline test carried out after reaching the age of 21.
- If your hearing is normal, get hearing screenings every three years.
- If you show signs of hearing loss, get it checked out immediately and then annually after that.
Routine screenings might detect hearing loss early, before any warning signs are noticeable. The sooner you seek treatment, the better you’ll be able to maintain your hearing in the long run. So you should decrease the volume on your television and consider setting up a hearing evaluation.