Who Should Get a Hearing Test

The hearing tests are one of the most common treatments that your audiologist offers. It’s a test to determine whether or not an individual is experiencing hearing loss and defining the specific level of that hearing loss if it is there. You may be wondering whether or not you or someone you know should get a hearing test. If you fit any of the categories below, it may be time to consider making an appointment with your audiologist.

You have any reason to suspect you might have hearing loss

If you have any reason, at all, to suspect that your hearing has changed recently, then it’s a good reason to see your audiologist. Even if the cause is temporary like an earwax blockage, your audiologist can help clear it for you. Sometimes, the signs of changes to your hearing aren’t as easy to tell as you might suspect. 

If you have been having trouble making out peoples’ words when they speak to you, if you need to turn up your volume to a level others consider excessive, or certain sounds (especially high pitched ones) sound muffled or far away, these could all be signs of hearing loss.

You haven’t had your last hearing test in a long time

If you have never had a hearing test before, it’s a good idea to book one even if you don’t experience any issues with your hearing. This can help your audiologist put together a “baseline test,” which all future tests will be compared to so that they can measure any changes in your hearing. If it has been more than a decade since your last hearing test, it’s worth getting it checked upon.

If any of these risk factors apply to you

Even if you don’t experience any symptoms of hearing loss, there are some risk factors that can put you at a higher risk of developing it, even without knowing. As such, pay close attention if you experience any of these risk factors:

• Recent or frequent exposure to loud noises (construction machinery, power tools, lawnmowers, fireworks, firearms, etc.)
• Sleep apnea
• Iron deficiency
• Medications that list hearing loss as a potential side effect

If any of these risk factors apply to you, you may have a higher chance of experiencing hearing loss, so you should get a hearing test.

If you are 65 or over

As we get older, we become more at risk of hearing loss. It’s a natural part of aging. As such, if you are 65 years old or older, you may want to consider making a hearing test part of your yearly physical. This way, any signs of hearing loss can be caught as soon as possible and the right treatments can be recommended to help keep your quality of life as high as possible.

Hearing tests are quick and convenient ways of answering any questions you might have about your hearing health. If any of the above criteria fit you, get in touch with your audiologist today.