At what point should you think about getting your hearing evaluated? Here are several indications you should get your hearing checked.

The other day, my kids complained about how loud my television was. My answer …” What?!” It was amusing because it was a joke. But there’s nothing comical about untreated hearing loss. The volume of the TV has been increasing. And I began to wonder: Should I get a hearing exam?

There’s no good reason to avoid scheduling a hearing test. They are non-intrusive, they don’t involve any radiation, and you can be at ease without worries about your comfort level. You just need to take a brief minute to book an appointment.

Given the substantial effect that neglected hearing loss can have on your general well-being, it’s crucial to be proactive about monitoring your hearing.

Indications you should get a hearing exam

If you’ve noticed any recent changes that might be indicative of hearing loss, booking a thorough hearing evaluation with a professional is likely a smart decision. Obviously, if things are hard to hear, that’s a rather solid indication of hearing loss.

• It’s hard to hear in noisy places: Have you ever been to a crowded or noisy space and had difficulty keeping up with the conversation because of all the background noise? It’s possible that this could be an indication of impaired hearing.
• People always seem to be talking unclearly: The issue may not always be volume but instead 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 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.

Other signs you should make an appointment for a hearing test:

• Your ear is still clogged following an infection
• You have a buildup of earwax you can’t clear by yourself
• Medicines you’re using might be harming your hearing
• It is difficult to identify the source of sounds
• You have vertigo

Routine checkups

But what if you haven’t noticed any of these indications of hearing loss? Is there a criteria for how often you should have your hearing tested?

• It is recommended to have a baseline test carried out after reaching the age of 21.
• For people with normal hearing, it’s recommended to have a hearing assessment every three years.
• If you demonstrate symptoms of hearing loss, get it checked right away and then yearly after that.

Regular screenings may detect hearing loss early, before any warning signs are obvious. The earlier you seek treatment, the better you’ll be able to maintain your hearing over time. So you should lower the volume on your television and consider setting up a hearing evaluation.