At what point should you think about getting your hearing evaluated? Here are some indications you need to have your hearing assessed.
Recently, my kids complained about how loud my television was. My answer …” What?!” It was meant to be humorous. But there’s nothing funny about untreated hearing loss. The TV has been getting louder and louder. And I began to question whether I should schedule a hearing exam.
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 be concerned about discomfort. You just need to take a brief moment to schedule an appointment.
Given the substantial impact that neglected hearing loss can have on your overall well-being, it’s essential to be proactive about monitoring your hearing.
You should get your hearing tested if you notice these signs
If you’ve recently noticed any symptoms of hearing loss, it’s most likely a good plan to get a professional hearing assessment. If it’s difficult to hear, it likely means there’s considerable hearing impairment.
- Ambient noise can be overpowering: Have you ever strained to focus on a conversation in a loud or crowded setting, where the surrounding din makes it hard 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 clarity.
- You’re always missing text messages: Your phone is made to be loud. So, if you’re constantly missing calls or text messages, it could be because you’re noy hearing them.
- Ringing that won’t go away: Ringing in your ears, also known as tinnitus, is typically a sign of hearing damage.
Here are some other situations that indicate you should schedule a hearing assessment:
- Your ear is still blocked following an infection
- Surplus earwax has amassed and can not be removed by self-cleaning methods
- You take specific medications that can damage your hearing
- Distinguishing where sounds are originating from can be challenging
- You’re experiencing balance problems
Regular checkups
But what if you haven’t recognized any of these indications of hearing loss? Is there a criteria for how often you should have your hearing checked?
- It is encouraged to have a baseline test carried out after reaching the age of 21.
- For people with normal hearing, it’s advised to have a hearing exam every three years.
- If you display symptoms of hearing impairment, have it checked right away and then yearly thereafter.
Regular assessments can help you identify hearing loss before any red flags appear. Prompt professional attention can substantially increase your chances of preserving healthy hearing over time. This means you should probably turn your TV down and set up a hearing test.