When should you get a hearing exam? Here are some indications that suggest you should get your hearing evaluated.
Recently, my kids complained about how loud my television was. My answer …” What?!” It was funny because it was a joke. But there’s nothing funny about untreated hearing loss. The volume of the TV has been escalating. And I began to think about whether I should set up a hearing assessment.
There’s no good reason to avoid scheduling a hearing test. They aren’t invasive, there’s no radiation, and you don’t have to feel uneasy about discomfort. Just take a quick moment to book an appointment.
Given the substantial impact that neglected hearing loss can have on your overall well-being, it’s vital to be proactive about keeping an eye on your hearing.
You should get your hearing tested if you detect these signs
If you’ve recently experienced any signs 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.
- It’s difficult to hear in noisy places: Have you ever been to a crowded or noisy room and had difficulty keeping up with the conversation because of all the ambient noise? It’s possible that this might be an indication of impaired hearing.
- People always seem to be talking unclearly: The problem may not always be volume but rather clarity.
- 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.
- Ringing that won’t go away: Ringing in your ears, also called tinnitus, is often a sign of hearing damage.
Other indications you should make an appointment for a hearing test:
- Your ear hasn’t cleared after an infection
- Excess earwax has amassed and can not be eliminated by self-cleaning methods
- Medications you’re taking might be damaging your hearing
- It is hard to identify the source of sounds
- You have vertigo
Regular checkups
Even if you’re not observing any obvious symptoms, it’s still important to schedule routine hearing tests.
- Get a baseline test done sometime after you turn 21.
- For people with typical hearing, it’s recommended to have a hearing assessment every three years.
- If you display signs of hearing loss, have it assessed immediately and then every year thereafter.
Regular screenings may detect hearing loss early, before any symptom are obvious. The earlier you get treatment, the better you’ll be able to maintain your hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and schedule a hearing test.
