Should I Get a Hearing Exam?

Woman in a booth getting a hearing test.

When should you get a hearing assessment? Here are a few indications that reveal you should have your hearing tested.

Recently, my children expressed discontent with the high volume of the TV. My answer …” What?!” It was amusing because it was a joke. But there’s nothing funny about untreated hearing loss. The volume of the TV has been escalating. And I started to think about whether I should set up a hearing exam.

There aren’t many good reasons not to set up a hearing exam. They aren’t invasive, there’s no radiation, and you don’t have to worry about discomfort. Just take a quick moment to book an appointment.

Given the significant impact that neglected hearing loss can have on your overall well-being, it’s critical to be proactive about monitoring your hearing.

Signs you should get a hearing test

If you’ve recently experienced any symptoms of hearing loss, it’s most likely a good idea to get a professional hearing assessment. If it’s difficult to hear, it likely means there’s substantial hearing impairment.

  • Background noise can be overwhelming: Have you ever struggled to hear a conversation in a loud or crowded setting, where the surrounding racket makes it tough to catch every word? That might be a sign of hearing loss.
  • It sounds like everybody’s mumbling all the time: In some cases it’s not loss of volume you have to worry about, it’s a loss of definition.
  • You frequently miss text messages: Your phone is meant to be loud. If you regularly fail to observe incoming calls or texts, the issue may be that you’re not able to hear them.
  • Relentless ringing sound: A constant sensation of ringing in your ears, knowned as tinnitus, is frequently a sign of damage to your hearing.

Here are some other scenarios that indicate you should schedule a hearing evaluation:

  • Your ear hasn’t cleared after an infection
  • You have an accumulation of earwax you can’t get rid of by yourself
  • Medicines you’re using may be harming your hearing
  • It is difficult to identify the source of sounds
  • You’re experiencing balance issues

Routine hearing evaluations

Even if you’re not observing any obvious symptoms, it’s still important to schedule regular hearing exams.

  • Get a baseline test done sometime after you’re 21.
  • If your hearing is healthy, undergo hearing screenings every three years.
  • If you display symptoms of hearing loss, have it assessed immediately and then every year thereafter.

Routine screenings may identify hearing loss early, before any warning signs are noticeable. Early expert attention can significantly increase your chances of maintaining healthy hearing over time. So you should decrease the volume on your television and consider aranging a hearing evaluation.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.