When Should You Get a Hearing Test?

Everyone knows the underlying focus of a hearing test: to see whether or not you’re experiencing hearing loss. It’s the most effective way of diagnosing any hearing issues and figuring out how to treat them.

But, most people don’t know when they should get a hearing test. In fact, it’s usually something that gets neglected and put off. Unfortunately, untreated hearing loss can lead to additional health issues, such as cognitive decline. Untreated hearing loss is even linked to issues like Alzheimer’s. As such, getting a hearing test — which is completely pain free — is more important than ever. Read more to determine when you should get a hearing examination.

When you become an adult

Ideally, most audiologists will recommend that you get your first hearing test when you turn 21. If you’ve not had one yet, now is a pretty good time to book yours! It’s a great chance to assess the health of your hearing and ensure everything is how it should be. Then, keep getting tested every 10 years until you turn 50.

When you turn 50

Fifty is a significant age with regards to hearing health. From here on out, your hearing will naturally start to get worse. The cells in your ears will slowly begin to fade away and die, which leads to hearing problems as you get older. So, an audiologist will suggest you get your hearing tested when you turn 50, and every three years following this. The chances of you having hearing problems will increase when you hit the half-century mark, so the need for tests becomes more significant.

If you experience tinnitus

Tinnitus is described as a persistent ringing sensation that seems to come from inside your ears. It’s commonly associated as a sign of age-related hearing loss, so it’s well worth booking a hearing test if you have it, regardless of your age. Tinnitus can also be linked to other things that have nothing to do with hearing loss, but a hearing test will help you determine whether or not it’s a symptom of further hearing issues.

If you have trouble hearing people

Naturally, if you struggle to understand or hear people when they’re talking to you, this could be a sign you may need a hearing test. This is especially true if you have difficulty in quiet environments where there isn’t any background noise. If all your conversations are littered with you asking people to repeat themselves, you should probably call an audiologist and book a hearing test.

When you keep turning the volume up

Similarly, if you always turn the volume up on your TV or other devices like when you’re listening to something through headphones, this shows you may be hard of hearing.

Going for a hearing test can be scary as you’re worried about hearing loss. Think about it this way; hearing loss is easier to deal with when you catch it as early as possible. The worse your hearing gets, the harder it is to treat. So, do what’s best for your health and see an audiologist for a hearing test whenever these scenarios present themselves to you.