How to Know If You Need a Hearing Test

Signs You Might Need a Hearing Test

1. You Frequently Ask People to Repeat Themselves

Do you find yourself saying, “What?” or “Say that again?” If speech is unclear or you can’t hear every word, this may be a sign of hearing loss.

2. You Struggle to Hear in Noisy Environments

If background noise from restaurants, offices with many people, or family get-togethers makes it difficult for you to hear conversations, your ears may be struggling to tune out background noise. Having trouble hearing in these situations is a typical early sign of hearing loss.

3. The TV or Radio Volume Keeps Going Up

Are you being asked to turn down the TV, but to your ears, it’s at the perfect level? If you find that you always need to turn up the volume to hear adequately, you should have your hearing tested.

4. Phone Conversations Are Difficult

Phone conversation removes visual cues like lip reading and facial expressions, making it even harder to hear speech if your hearing is not very good. If calls are appearing muffled or unclear, it can be an indication of hearing issues.

5. You Feel Exhausted After Conversations

Difficulty hearing requires more effort, which can tire you out after being around others. If you find yourself tired after conversing with someone, your ears – and brain – might be working overtime to fill in the gaps.

6. You Hear Ringing or Buzzing in Your Ears (Tinnitus)

Tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears, is typically accompanied by hearing loss. If you hear these noises consistently, it’s a good idea to have your hearing tested.

7. Others Notice Your Hearing Has Changed

Sometimes, we don’t realize we have hearing loss ourselves, but others around us notice. If your family and friends comment that you miss out on parts of conversations, listen to them and take their concerns seriously.

8. Certain Sounds Seem Muffled or Distant

When voices or everyday sounds start to become muffled, like people are talking through a wall – this is a huge red flag that your hearing is declining.

Why Early Detection Matters

Hearing loss won’t just affect your ability to communicate; it has the potential to alter your mental health, relationships, and even cognitive function. Studies show that untreated hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of dementia, depression, and social isolation.

The good news? A hearing test is quick, painless, and can reveal a lot about your hearing health. And if you do have hearing loss, early treatment – like hearing aids or other assistive devices – can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

What to Expect During a Hearing Test

If you’ve never had a hearing test before, here’s what you can expect:

• A discussion about your hearing concerns and medical history.
• A physical examination of your ears to check for blockages or infections.
• A series of listening tests where you’ll respond to different sounds and speech at varying volumes.
• A review of your results and recommendations based on your hearing levels.

When Should You Get a Hearing Test?

Even if you don’t notice major hearing issues, experts recommend that you have a baseline hearing test at age 50 (earlier if you are having symptoms). If you have a job with frequent noise exposure or there is a family history of hearing loss, regular check-ups are even more important.

Take the First Step Toward Better Hearing

If any of the signs above sound familiar, don’t wait – schedule a hearing test today. At Hearvana, we’re here to help you hear your best, with comprehensive hearing evaluations and personalized solutions.

Your hearing health matters. If you’re ready to take control of it, contact us to book your hearing test today!