4 Signs You Need to Get Your Hearing Checked

Do you need to get your hearing checked? What are the signs that something is amiss with your hearing?

There are many signs that your hearing or your ears might need some attention, and many of these signs can fly under the radar or be easily brushed off as nothing serious. 

Hearing loss is gradual in the majority of cases, that is, unless you have been in an accident and are experiencing sudden loss as a direct result of this, or it’s due to an illness or health condition.

People often miss these gradual declines in hearing quality and levels until they reach a stage where hearing becomes very difficult.

With over 1.5 billion people living with some form of hearing loss, what is one of the key signs that you need to get your hearing checked? 

Persistent Tinnitus

If you’re hearing sounds that aren’t there externally, such as a ringing or buzzing noise, this could be like not hearing loss.

The condition is called tinnitus, and it is estimated that around 10 to 15% of people experience this.

According to the Hearing Health Foundation, 90% of tinnitus cases involve hearing loss. If you experience it regularly, or notice it becoming more frequent or lasting longer, get your ears checked.

Sudden Hearing Loss or Dizziness

A rapid drop in hearing levels over a couple of days is a cause for concern. Doctors call this condition sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and it requires immediate medical attention.

It is frequently accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus and a loss of balance in some people, and you need to get medical attention fast.

Difficulty Understanding Conversations

If you’re finding you’re struggling with conversations, especially in noisy environments, or if you can’t see the person’s face, or you’re talking over the phone, then you need a hearing test to ascertain if you need hearing aids or not.

An ear infection or blockage can cause temporary hearing loss, and it usually resolves once you treat the underlying issue.

However, if these aren’t present and your hearing is deteriorating over time, you may be experiencing permanent hearing loss, and you need to get hearing aids to help you regain some of the loss you’re experiencing.

Becoming More Reclusive

Being a recluse on its own isn’t a cause for concern if this is the way you always are.

But if you’re normally a social butterfly and suddenly you start avoiding people, social environments, and similar places, then it’s worth checking your hearing to see if this is playing a part in your change in socializing habits.

Any degree of hearing loss can impact your social life and your desire to be around others. Social withdrawal can be due to many causes, including depression. Hearing loss can also increase the likelihood of becoming depressed due to the changes in your circumstances.

For instance, the frustration of not being able to hear clearly in social situations can lead to feelings of isolation and sadness. So it’s important to get a hearing test even to rule out hearing loss. 

There are many reasons why you should get your hearing checked. Ideally, you should do this every 5 years, just like you would with other routine health check-ups.

If you’re over 50, get your hearing checked annually. This frequent check-up can help you catch any changes in your ears and hearing quickly for a better quality of life.

How to Protect Your Hearing

While spotting the signs is important, preventing hearing loss is even better. Here are a few ways to safeguard your hearing:

• Limit exposure to loud noise – Use ear protection in noisy environments like concerts, factories, or while using power tools.

• Follow the 60/60 rule – Listen to music at no more than 60% volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time.

• Keep your ears clean—but gently – Avoid cotton swabs inside the ear canal. Instead, clean only the outer ear.

• Manage health conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking can affect hearing health.

Improved Closing Call-to-Action

Don’t wait until hearing loss affects your quality of life. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a hearing test with a qualified audiologist.

Early detection and treatment can help preserve your hearing and keep you connected to the moments that matter most.