Warning Signs You Should Get A Hearing Test

An estimated one in eight Americans over the age of 12 experience some level of hearing loss in both ears, but millions of people do not receive the help needed to manage the situation. Whether you require hearing aids or another solution, arranging a detailed hearing test with an audiologist will form the first step on the road to success.

But how do you know when to book a professional hearing test? Unlike other health issues, hearing health is not something your friends and family can see. So, it’s your job to acknowledge the signs that it’s time to book a hearing test. If you notice the following symptoms, call your audiologist today.

You Regularly Experience Tinnitus

Tinnitus is defined as hearing noises like ringing or whistling despite a lack of any external sound source. This can occur in one ear or both ears simultaneously. While it is an issue that most people experience from time to time, regular episodes of tinnitus could indicate that you have moderate hearing loss.

Many people experience symptoms of tinnitus because the brain tries to fill in the blanks caused by failing to hear certain sounds. In the majority of cases, tinnitus occurs due to age-related hearing loss, although trauma issues with the circulatory system are common issues. If you experience tinnitus on a frequent basis, visiting your audiologist is advised.

You Often Turn Up the Volume

If you need to turn the sound up to hear the television or radio, it is a clear sign that you now experience hearing loss. Sometimes, poor sound mixing of a movie is the reason you turn the sound up. However, if you regularly watch the TV with the sound turned up by an extra two or five digits, there is a reason for this.

Alternatively, you may find that family members have asked you to turn the sound down or that you now watch TV shows with the subtitles turned on. Hearing tests will quickly confirm whether hearing loss is the reason behind this contrast in what volume you listen to the TV compared to your loved ones.

You Ask People to Repeat Themselves

If you ask someone to repeat themselves because they mumbled or a motorbike sped by, there is no reason to suspect hearing loss. Still, if you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat themselves, it could be time to book a hearing test. This is particularly true if you ask children and women to repeat themselves, as it could be due to the higher pitches.

In addition to asking people to repeat themselves, you may find that you struggle to hear people in crowded spaces or identify the direction that speech comes from. Meanwhile, consciously or subconsciously withdrawing yourself from social occasions or feeling exhausted after them could be linked to hearing loss.

You Miss Audio Notifications

Individuals who experience hearing loss will often miss alarms and other audio notifications, especially when there is no visual indicator. It could be due to the low volume or the high pitch. Either way, it is another sign that you should book a hearing test with your audiologist, especially as there are many products on the market to manage this issue.

Some examples of missed notifications include not hearing your smartphone ring, not noticing a smoke alarm, not hearing the doorbell, or failing to hear sirens until an emergency vehicle comes into view. Failing to manage this issue, which starts with an accurate diagnosis, could put your health and safety at risk.

You Have a Lifestyle That Could Contribute to Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is often caused by noise exposure. So, if you work in an environment where loud noises are common and do not have the right protection for your ears, it could result in progressive hearing loss. Whether it’s working in music or with machinery that operates above 85dB, you may want to see your audiologist.

Similarly, if you have a family history of hearing loss, you should book regular hearing tests. It could be confirmed as hereditary hearing loss. Or it may be that you suspect your parents or grandparents had undiagnosed hearing loss. Either way, it is better to be safe than sorry by staying on top of the situation. Early interventions are vital.

Book Your Hearing Test Today

Everyone should book a professional hearing test at least once per decade, even if they suspect that their hearing is in perfect health. However, if you have noticed any of the above indicators of hearing loss, it’s imperative that you schedule an appointment ASAP. Call the Quality Hearing & Audiology Center at (816) 205-7220 to book your visit today.