When should you schedule a hearing evaluation? Here are a few signs you should have your hearing checked.
Recently, my kids complained about how loud my television was. Do you know what I said to them? I said, “What?!” It was intended 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 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 worry 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 essential to be proactive about keeping an eye on your hearing.
You should have your hearing checked if you observe these signs
If you’ve detected any recent changes that might be a sign of hearing loss, scheduling a thorough hearing assessment with a professional is probably a smart decision. If it’s hard to hear, it most likely means there’s substantial hearing impairment.
- Ambient noise can be overpowering: Have you ever strained to focus on a conversation in a noisy or crowded setting, where the surrounding din makes it tough to catch every word? That may be an indication of hearing loss.
- People always seem to be speaking unclearly: The issue may not always be volume but rather definition.
- You often miss text messages: Your phone is intended to be loud. If you frequently fail to observe incoming calls or texts, the issue may be that you’re not able to hear them.
- Ringing that won’t go away: Ringing in your ears, also called tinnitus, is typically an indication of hearing damage.
Other signs you should make an appointment for 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
- Distinguishing where sounds are coming from can be challenging
- You’re experiencing balance problems
Regular checkups
Even if you aren’t observing any obvious symptoms, it’s still important to schedule routine hearing exams.
- It is recommended to have a baseline test completed after reaching the age of 21.
- If your hearing is healthy, undergo hearing screenings every three years.
- If you display signs of hearing loss, have it assessed immediately and then yearly thereafter.
Routine screenings may identify hearing loss early, before any warning signs are noticeable. The sooner you seek treatment, the better you’ll be able to maintain your hearing over time. So you should decrease the volume on your television and think about setting up a hearing test.