Hearing Tests for All Ages

If you’re young or middle-aged, then a hearing test may not be high on your list of things to do. However, a youth spent attending loud rock concerts or listening to loud music through earbuds can lead to premature hearing loss.

Perhaps there’s a voice at the back of your head that wonders if your hearing isn’t all that it should be, but you’re not ready to admit it. If the suspicion is there, be honest with yourself and answer the following questions.

#1: The last time you were in public restaurant, did the background noise confuse you and make it difficult to take part in group conversations?

Hearing loss affects different parts of the audibility spectrum, and unfortunately the area occupied by speech is often first to be damaged. This can be most obvious when there is competition for your hearing attention, such as in a busy restaurant or bar with background noise.

#2: Are you debating whether your TV is on the fritz because you have to turn the volume up louder than previously?

Hearing loss is often a gradual process that occurs slowly over time. If the TV needs to be louder than before, spare a thought that it might be your ears that are the problem rather than the box.

#3: Has your partner started to accuse you of being distant or not paying attention?

This may be nothing to do with your hearing, BUT, if you aren’t deliberately tuning out then it’s possible you aren’t hearing some of those things spoken by your other half.

#4: Does the conversation leave you behind?

When meeting up with friends, do you spend so much time working out what they just said that by the time you’re ready to reply the conversation has moved on? Early hearing loss allows you to make sense of some of the words and makes your brain work hard to fill in the gaps – which slows down your comprehension and can impact on the speed of your response.

#5: Do you ask customers or clients to repeat themselves?

If those you meet day-to-day seemed afflicted by the curse of mumbling, then consider if it’s not their poor dictation but your lack of hearing.

Getting a hearing test is nothing to be frightened of, and it is in your best interest to find out the truth rather than bury you head in the sand. Remember, hearing loss is proven to reduce earning capacity, but if you take control then this trend can be reversed. And if the financial incentive isn’t strong enough to overcome your inertia, then consider the impact hearing loss has on those closest to you. It can lead to misunderstandings between friends, family and colleagues. So, if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for those you care about and schedule a hearing test.