Do You Need a Hearing Test?

When was the last time you had a hearing test? If you can’t remember seeing an audiologist, or you think that it might be a good idea to have your hearing tested more frequently as you get older, it may be wise to book a hearing test. If you’re not sure whether or not you need a test, this guide will provide you with an answer.

Routine hearing tests as you get older

As we get older, it’s very common for the senses to fade. Many people find that they need glasses to read, and following conversations can become increasingly difficult. If you’re over the age of 60, and you haven’t had a hearing test for many years, it’s advisable to start attending regular appointments with your audiologist. Ideally, tests should take place every two years.

Regular tests for those at risk of hearing loss

If you’re at risk of hearing loss as a result of your job, for example, it’s beneficial to organize regular hearing tests. Your hearing can change with time, but often, people don’t notice minor differences. Hearing tests can help to monitor your hearing and highlight any changes or signs of deterioration. If you are suffering from hearing loss, your audiologist can suggest treatment options, which can help to prevent the situation from getting worse.

Signs of hearing loss

Hearing loss is often associated with older people, but it can affect anyone. If you think that your hearing has deteriorated, it’s always a good idea to consult your audiologist. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, an audiologist can conduct tests and determine whether or not you have hearing loss and identify possible causes:

• Turning up the volume on the radio or the TV
• Finding it difficult to hear in noisy environments
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Feeling like everyone is mumbling around you
• Friends and family remarking that your TV or music is very loud
• Mishearing what people say or missing out on chunks of conversation
• Straining to hear

If you are having difficulty hearing, there may be an underlying cause, which can be treated, such as an infection. In other cases, more permanent hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids.

Tinnitus

For many people, tinnitus is a side-effect of going to a concert or a football game, but for others, it’s part and parcel of daily life. If you suffer from tinnitus, and your symptoms are getting worse, your audiologist may recommend arranging a hearing test. Tinnitus occurs when you can hear noises like ringing, whooshing, and buzzing in your ears that are not produced by an outside source. Sometimes, tinnitus is linked to hearing loss. When you can’t hear properly, the signs of tinnitus can be exaggerated, and treating hearing loss can improve symptoms.

Has it been a long time since you had a hearing test, or are you concerned that your hearing might be deteriorating? It’s crucial to look after your ears and to take steps to protect your hearing for as long as possible, and regular tests can be incredibly beneficial.