When Should I Get My Hearing Checked?

When Should I Get My Hearing Checked?

November 20, 2023, in Hearing Health

Hearing loss is typically thought of as something that develops later in life, but it can happen at any age. Factors contributing to hearing loss or impairment include illness, medications, surgeries, genetics, and frequent exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss can happen gradually, so many people often don’t notice it at first.

The best way to learn more about your hearing and whether you need treatment or not is through a hearing test, but how do you know if it’s the right time for you to get one? Let’s take a look!

Experiencing Signs Of Possible Hearing Loss

Even if you haven’t had exposure to loud noises or are still young, hearing loss may still be an issue. One way to determine if it might be time for a hearing test is if you’re exhibiting any of the following signs:

• Tinnitus, or ringing in your ears
• Voices sound muffled
• Trouble understanding high-pitched or middle-frequency sounds, such as the voices of women and children
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Difficulty hearing in noisy places
• Difficulty hearing consonants
• Turning up the volume on the television or stereo higher than normal
• Fatigue or stress from concentrating on listening during a conversation

Sometimes, symptoms require immediate medical attention. See a medical professional immediately if you suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears or experience hearing loss that occurs over several days or weeks. Hearing loss accompanied by discharge from your ear canal is also cause for concern, as is pain or pressure in your ears. These are signs of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Friends and Family Members Are Noticing Hearing Changes

Are friends or family members frequently asking about your hearing? Or perhaps they get frustrated when you ask them to repeat themselves again?  Pay particular attention if multiple people address the issue with you. This could be a sign that you need to have your hearing tested.

History of Hearing Loss

Another indication that you may need a hearing test is if you have a family history of hearing loss. Even if you’re not having difficulty hearing, you may want to establish a relationship with an audiologist and get a baseline hearing test, so if things do start to change, you can get an idea of just how much they’ve changed. It’s also never a bad thing to already have a provider you’re familiar with who knows your hearing and medical history.

You Have Reached 65

While turning 65 doesn’t mean you’ll immediately have hearing loss, it is very common in people who are 65 and older. If you haven’t had a screening by the time you turn 65, it’s time to schedule one. A baseline assessment is useful even if you don’t notice any problems. Undetected hearing loss can result in depression and anxiety and increase the chances of dementia.

What Happens During a Hearing Test?

Knowing what occurs at a hearing test can take away a lot of the anxiety that often comes up before an appointment.

During your hearing test at Athens Hearing, we will ask you about your hearing and ear health history, plus any possible symptoms. We will also do a physical evaluation of your ear health that looks inside the ear canal to ensure that blockages like ear wax are not affecting your hearing. We may also do a pressure test to determine if your eardrums function properly.

The hearing test measures your ability to hear and listen to sounds at different pitches and volumes. We will also assess word recognition and comprehension. Each step helps determine whether your hearing is normal or if you’re experiencing some problems we can help you with. If you have some degree of impairment, these tests can help determine the right treatment options for you.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are concerned about the state of your hearing, why not schedule an appointment with Athens Hearing? Our team of skilled hearing specialists can help you determine the level of hearing loss you’re experiencing and ensure you receive the right treatment for you. Call our Athens office today or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.