5 Signs You Need a Hearing Test

Good hearing is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest blessing, which is why hearing loss can be quite a scary thing for anybody to face. In many cases, it is possible to treat this problem to restore the benefits of clear hearing. However, an audiologist cannot help you unless the problem is identified. This is why it’s important to have a hearing test if you notice symptoms of hearing loss.

It can be difficult to detect that hearing loss has occurred, especially as you don’t know what a healthy ear should hear. If you notice any of the symptoms below, consider having your hearing tested.

1. You turn up the sound on the television/radio

This is a fairly easy one to spot as you can actively see whether you’ve started turning those devices up. If it’s just an occasional occurrence, it may be due to the broadcast carrying a lower output. However, if you’ve found yourself requiring a louder volume on a daily basis, it suggests you have a problem with your ears. Even if it’s just a wax buildup, it’s vital that you seek help.

2. Struggling to understand speech

Everyone has to ask someone to repeat themselves from time to time. But if you find yourself doing this on a regular basis, especially if you’re asking multiple people, this is a sign of possible hearing loss. Struggling to understand people talking when there is background noise is another telltale sign. Meanwhile, difficulty with consonants is another.  

3. Twisting your neck/body to hear

When you find yourself needing to reposition the body to hear things, there may be hearing loss in one ear. Similarly, cupping the ear to drown out background noise is a telling sign. Both of these measures may help you in the short haul. Over time, though, the continued deterioration is likely to reach a stage where this is no longer effective.  

4. Missing calls, doorbells or alarms

Hearing loss can also manifest itself in the form of failing to hear certain pitches and tones. Common issues include missing phone calls, home visitors, or items like car alarms. If any of those start to become a frequent problem, hearing loss is probably at the heart of those issues. On a similar note, if you no longer hear the sound of birdsong and other natural elements on your morning walks, it may be due to a problem with your ears.

5. Conversations leave you feeling drained

Many sufferers will strain to hear people during conversations without even realizing it. This can include lip reading, straining to get closer, or focusing on them rather than the background noise. While hearing loss is far from being the only sign of fatigue, overtiredness can be linked to this issue. An audiologist can test for problems to clear things up one way or another. So, if tiredness is coupled with any of the other issues, it’s best to book an appointment.

Don’t be afraid to seek treatment if you believe you have hearing loss. Hearing tests are painless and can be quickly conducted by an audiologist.