If you find yourself saying “what?” a lot, you might start to wonder about your hearing. You are not alone. Approximately 15% of American adults have a certain degree of hearing loss. The good news? Now that you can access non-prescription hearing aidsimproving your hearing can be quite simple.
So should you have a hearing test? To answer that, it helps to understand the signs of hearing loss, the importance of regular hearing checks and what to expect from them. Let’s look at all of this.
What is a hearing test?
Before we get into the signs that you may have hearing loss, let’s ease any concerns you may have about a hearing screening. If you feel worried because you don’t know what to expect, we can help.
Hearing loss tests are quick, painless processes. Usually you’ll be done in half an hour or less.
Your registered audiologist usually tailors the hearing test to you. Some of the most common types of hearing tests include:
- Pure-tone tests that evaluate the quietest volume at which you can hear certain pitches.
- Speaking tests during which you listen and do your best to repeat words and phrases.
- Tests to see if there is fluid or wax in the ear, such as bone conduction testing and tympanometry.
- More specialized tests such as auditory brainstem response (ABR) or otoacoustic emissions (OAE) tests.
Pure tone testing and speech testing are the most common hearing tests. With a pure hearing test, you sit in a soundproof room. You will wear a set of headphones through which your audiologist sends sounds of different pitches and volumes to one ear at a time. You signal when you hear the sound, usually by raising a hand or pressing a button.
Speech testing works in a similar way, but instead of hearing tones, you hear words and are asked to repeat them. Your audiologist evaluates the lowest volume at which you can still clearly distinguish the words and phrases.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that all adults receive hearing loss tests every decade until age 50, after which they should have regular hearing checks every three years. Remember to get hearing aids is easier now thanks to over the counter optionsso there’s no need to drag your heels here.
The importance of regular hearing checks
Hearing loss usually occurs gradually. In fact, it can happen so slowly that you don’t realize that your hearing has deteriorated over time. ASHA reports that adults wait an average of almost nine years before addressing their hearing problems, largely because of this problem.
In other words, even if you think your hearing is fine, you may benefit from regular hearing loss tests. Under the age of 50, you can go 10 years between hearing checks unless you notice any of the signs that we are about to describe. As hearing often deteriorates with age, however, you should go for regular hearing checks every three years once you reach the age of 50.
If you skip hearing screening, you may inadvertently change your life to compensate for the hearing loss. You can avoid crowded settings because you have trouble hearing with background noise, for example, or turn up the volume on your headphones, which can further damage your hearing. Ultimately, hearing tests can help you not only check how your ears are working, but also protect them and your quality of life.
5 signs you need a hearing test
If you are scheduled for an ASHA-recommended hearing test, schedule yours. Even if you haven’t passed the recommended timeline, you may need to get your ears checked if these signs sound familiar:
- Saying “what?” very — If you have to ask people to repeat themselves regularly, it probably means your ears aren’t working as well as they should.
- The hearing is ringing in the ears — Hearing loss often goes hand in hand with tinnitus, causing the persistent ringing. So even if you think you hear well, if you have regular ringing in your ears, it’s worth talking to an audiologist.
- Pump up the volume — Do you often listen to your headphones at or near full volume? Do you turn up the volume on the TV and in the car? In that case, you can compensate for hearing loss.
- Struggling to hear over background noise — Does your ability to hear clearly deteriorate when the background noise increases? If you struggle at parties and other loud environments, you likely live with some degree of hearing loss.
- Embarrassment in social situations because you can’t hear — Sometimes hearing difficulties can lead to social mistakes. If you’ve ever mistakenly assumed someone said something because you didn’t want to ask them to repeat themselves, for example, hearing loss could be to blame.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has an online questionnaire you can take to help you find out if you would benefit from a hearing test.
If you think you need a hearing test, ASHA recommends that Americans get hearing loss tests performed by a certified audiologist. Your doctor should be able to refer you to one.
Bottom line
Many adults live with some degree of hearing loss, often without knowing it. This is why regular hearing checks are important. If any of the signs we just posted sound familiar, schedule a hearing test for yourself.
Additionally, if you discover your hearing loss early when it is mild to moderate, over-the-counter hearing aids can probably help. Before you jump in with them, though, see a certified audiologist and weigh some important considerations.
