When is it Time to Get A Hearing Test?
Your hearing is something you might not think about much—until you notice it isn’t as sharp as it used to be. So how do you know when it’s time for a hearing test? And how often should you check in on your hearing health? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow, so you can take care of your hearing without any stress.
When Should You Get a Hearing Test?
You’re Asking “What?” A Lot: If conversations are getting harder to follow, especially in noisy places, it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked. Asking people to repeat themselves more often than usual could be a sign of hearing loss.
The TV Volume Keeps Climbing: Do you find yourself turning up the TV, only to have others tell you it’s too loud? That’s a common sign that your hearing might need attention.
Buzzing or Ringing in Your Ears: Tinnitus, or a persistent ringing or buzzing, can sometimes point to a hearing issue. It’s worth checking out, even if it’s just to rule things out.
Trouble on the Phone: Struggling to hear conversations on the phone, where visual cues like lip-reading aren’t available, is another reason to schedule a hearing test.
You’ve Reached Your 50s: Age-related hearing loss is common, so if you’re over 50, scheduling a hearing test every three years is a smart move, even if you haven’t noticed changes.
Noisy Jobs or Hobbies: If you work around heavy machinery, attend loud events, or enjoy noisy hobbies, your ears are taking extra strain. Regular tests can help catch any damage early.
Friends or Family Have Noticed: Sometimes those closest to you will pick up on your hearing changes before you do. If they mention it, consider taking their advice.
How Often Should You Get Your Hearing Checked?
Start with a Baseline Test: Everyone should get a hearing test by age 21. It’s a good benchmark for tracking future changes.
Once Every 10 Years: If you’re under 50 and not experiencing any issues, a hearing test every decade works well.
Every 3 Years After 50: As you age, hearing loss becomes more likely. Testing every three years ensures you catch any changes early.
Annually for High-Risk Groups: If you’re exposed to loud noise regularly, have a family history of hearing loss, or deal with tinnitus, yearly checkups are a good idea.
Why Regular Testing Matters
Hearing loss can creep up gradually, making it easy to miss. Regular testing helps identify issues early, so you can explore treatment options and maintain strong communication skills. It’s also a great way to stay connected to loved ones and enjoy the sounds that make life meaningful.
Let Ultimate Hearing of Tennessee Help Protect Your Hearing
At Ultimate Hearing of Tennessee, we make hearing care simple and stress-free. Whether it’s your first test or time for a follow-up, we’re here to help. Call or visit us today to schedule your hearing test and take the next step toward healthier hearing.
Content based on research from peer-reviewed sources including the National Library of Medicine: Hearing Loss Screening Guidelines, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Hearing Loss Prevention.
