The first step in the hearing loss treatment journey is a hearing test. That crucial first step establishes your hearing needs and determines which treatment plan will work best for you. But it can be hard to know when it’s time for a hearing test. Let’s explore why that is and how you can know that it’s time.
Why It’s Easy to Put It Off
“I’ll get my hearing checked next year.” Sound familiar? Hearing loss is a progressive condition, meaning it starts off mild and gradually gets worse. Because it starts off mildly, many patients either don’t notice the signs (“I’m not losing my hearing, you’re just talking too quietly!”) or they notice, but don’t think it’s at the point where they need to take action on it (“I can hear enough to make it work”).
This turns into the classic frog-in-a-pot-of-boiling-water scenario, where a patient who needs hearing loss treatment doesn’t seek help until their hearing loss is severe.
Get Tested Regularly
One way to know that it’s time for a hearing test is to go off of time, not symptoms. Instead of waiting for your hearing loss to get “bad enough,” it’s recommended that you get your hearing checked on a regular basis to stay on top of changes. In this way, it’s no different from visiting the dentist twice a year.
The World Health Organization recommends that hearing screening be offered every five years to adults aged 50–64 years, and every one to three years to adults aged 65 years or older. This is a great guideline for hearing test frequency. We would also add that you should come in every one to three years if you have a family history of hearing loss or if you’re regularly exposed to excessive noise levels, such as working in a noisy industry, like construction, or enjoying a loud hobby, like hunting with firearms.
Signs to Watch For
If you notice any signs of hearing damage, it’s time to schedule a test, regardless of the date of your last exam. Some common signs are:
- Ears ringing (tinnitus)
- Muffled speech
- Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched noises (like birdsong)
- Turning the TV or radio up higher than is comfortable for others
- Skipping social events
- Feeling excessively tired after social events
If you need a hearing test, either because it’s been a couple of years or because you’ve noticed signs of hearing difficulties, don’t become a frog in boiling water. Instead, take action right away so you can catch changes to your hearing and treat hearing loss effectively. Call us at Coastal Sound Audiology today to schedule an appointment for a hearing test!