How to Know if You Should Get Your Hearing Tested

Most hearing loss creeps slowly d slowly and before you know it, you’re dealing with a significant amount of loss. However, there are a few signs and symptoms that might suggest it’s time to have your hearing evaluated. It’s important to take that proactive stance to protect your hearing and catch any issues early before further damage can be done.

1. Trouble Following a Conversation

Struggling to hear conversations (especially in noisy locations) One of the more obvious signs that suggests you might need a hearing test is that you’re having trouble deciphering what people are saying. If you ask people to repeat themselves often or can’t follow conversations in noisy environments, you may be experiencing hearing loss.

2. Muffled Sounds

If the sounds in your surroundings are beginning to muffle and you become unable to clearly distinguish between them, it might mean you’re losing your hearing right there. If, for instance, you’re turning up the volume on your TV or radio a lot louder than in the past in order for it to be audible, this might be a bad sign.

3. Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

Tinnitus is perceived as ringing, hissing, or buzzing sounds in the ears in the absence of an external noise. Chronic tinnitus could be a sign of hearing loss, and it’s important to have it evaluated by an audiologist.

4. Difficulty in Hearing High-Pitched Sounds

If you struggle to hear high-pitched sounds, including a doorbell, phone tone or children’s voices, it could indicate damage to your inner ear or hearing nerve, which can be checked using a hearing test.

5. Feeling Isolated or Withdrawn

The impact of hearing loss can cause you to become isolated as individuals with hearing problems withdraw from visiting with others or attending groups because they cannot easily hear what’s being said. If you find yourself withdrawing or getting frustrated in social situations, it’s time for a hearing test.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you or someone you know, it’s time to get your hearing tested by an audiologist to determine how well you hear and what you can do to safeguard your hearing health.