If you are one of the 48-million Americans who experience some degree of hearing loss, it’s imperative that you schedule a hearing test to understand the level you are experiencing. When you do, it’ll allow your hearing health professional to diagnose the condition and implement the next steps to help manage it. In turn, this will deliver a plethora of benefits to enhance your quality of life.

However, only you can take accountability by schedule a hearing test with a hearing health professional. Here are some signs that you should contact your hearing care provider to schedule an appointment.

It Has Been Years Since Your Last Appointment

It is suggested that even adults who do not have known hearing loss should visit their hearing health professional once every five years or so. Hearing loss is usually a progressive condition, and you may not notice the gradual changes to your hearing profile. A hearing test is the best way to confirm or deny hearing loss.

You Struggle to Hear Women and Children

For many people, the symptoms of mild and moderate hearing loss are most noticeable when talking to women or children. This is because their voices have higher pitches that may be difficult for you to follow. Similarly, you may miss other high-pitched sounds like alarms. If you find yourself regularly asking women or children to repeat themselves during conversations, it’s probably best to visit your hearing health professional.

Group Conversations Are Hard to Follow

Many people with mild hearing loss can follow one-on-one conversations, not least because they may subconsciously use lip reading and visual clues. However, it is harder to do this when multiple people are talking at once. If you struggle to hear people when they call from behind or another room, a hearing test may be required. Or if you find yourself withdrawing from social events, this is another sign.

You Listen to the TV or Radio Very Loud

Have you noticed that you’ve started listening to the TV on a higher setting? Or maybe you now have the phone on the loudest setting? In either situation, there is a strong chance that you are experiencing hearing loss. Alternatively, if loved one’s comment on the loudness of your TV or music, it is a good idea to get in touch with a hearing health professional to schedule a hearing test.

You Experience Tinnitus

Hearing health professionals don’t only help individuals manage hearing loss. Tinnitus is another common issue that can be managed with hearing aids. So, if you experience tinnitus symptoms in either ear, or both, it is a good idea to schedule a hearing test. Tinnitus is actually a symptom of underlying issues rather than a condition itself. With this in mind, it may be a sign that you do have hearing loss in at least one ear too.

If you regularly find yourself needing a break after long conversations or have been exposed to loud sounds, schedule a hearing test today. Your hearing health professional is here to help.