6 Signs it's time to book a hearing test
When was the last time you thought about your ears?
Maybe I should get my ears looked at and book a hearing test… it’s a thought that we’ve all had at one point or another but rarely is it followed up on - however, hearing loss affects around 500 million people worldwide. It is both invisible and (usually) gradual but can still have a profound effect on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, depression, and an overall lower quality of life. Failing to address it can lead to auditory deprivation and a reduced chance of adjusting to hearing aids, leading to frustration at home and work.
Although people of all ages can develop hearing loss, those over the age of 50 are particularly affected. In fact, hearing loss is the third most common chronic disorder.
There can be numerous causes for hearing loss that can include:
- Excess earwax
- Infection
- Perforated eardrum
- Ageing
- Damage from loud noise
- Taking certain medicines that can affect hearing.
- Build-up of fluid, skin cells or a bony growth.
It’s important to remember that sudden hearing loss should be investigated by a GP and a general hearing test is an important part of your health check.
So, to mark this World Hearing Day on March 3rd, here are six signs that you might want to book a hearing test:
1. You need to turn up the volume
Are you constantly having to turn up the TV, radio or music? It’s unlikely that your devices have suddenly become quieter, and it is more likely that you could be experiencing early signs of hearing impairment.
2. You need people to repeat what they’ve said
“Sorry, what was that?” “Can you repeat that?” “What did you say?” - asking people to repeat what they’ve said is sometimes necessary, however if you have to do it frequently then it might be a sign that you’re experiencing hearing loss. This is particularly important if it’s the same when talking to different people, and in environments where background noise level varies.
3. Conversations drain your energy
When experiencing hearing loss, conversations can feel much more draining. As you strain yourself to keep up with the conversation, this can leave you feeling emotionally and physically exhausted, as you’re having to work extra hard to make out what’s being said.
4. You’ve missed calls or alarms
We’ve all slept through the occasional alarm, but hearing loss can often manifest itself in being unable to hear certain tones or pitches. This can mean that you could be missing sounds such as the phone ringing, doorbell chiming or alarm sounding.
5. You have trouble differentiating noises
Those with good-quality hearing can usually ignore the background noise and focus on what that they need to hear. For those with hearing loss, this can be challenging, particularly in environments such as busy restaurants, where you’re struggling to decipher between the conversation being made towards you and the noise in the background.
6. You’ve been frequently exposed to noise
You might be surprised to learn that your favourite pastimes could be harming your hearing. It’s well known that loud noise can damage your hearing health, and going to loud bars or concerts may be putting your hearing at risk.
Our qualified audiologists are here to support all your hearing health needs.
The benefits of early detection are numerous. Learning about your hearing and how to prevent further hearing loss, can buy you time before you need to consider getting a hearing aid.
Duncan and Todd Group audiology services provide expert advice and care with a hearing care professional. This includes completely free screening tests, hearing assessments and unlimited service appointments as well as the latest digital technologies in hearing aids and earwax removal.
We have a team of qualified audiologists offering expert advice and the latest digital technology, our audiologists will work with you to find the perfect solution for your lifestyle and needs.
Our services include the following:
FREE screening test
FREE frequency hearing test
FREE unlimited service appointments
A wide variety of hearing devices
60 day money back guarantee - no-fuss refund
1 year FREE supply of batteries
Up to 5 year guarantee
Up to 12 months interest free
Need answers fast?
Duncan and Todd Group also offer a free online hearing test
on their website which you can do from the comfort of your own home. All you need is access to the website and some headphones!
You can find it here:
What to expect from your hearing test
Hearing tests should be a part of your routine health check-ups and be undertaken regularly, at least every three years.
A full hearing assessment takes around 75 minutes. A specially trained audiologist will ask a series of medical and lifestyle questions for background information, as well as check the health of your ears.
Next, they will do a hearing test, where you will wear headphones. You will usually listen to sounds of different frequencies, tones and volumes and will be asked to press a button when you hear a sound.
This comprehensive assessment allows the audiologist to provide a range of options for you, ensuring there is a perfect fit to suit every lifestyle.
Don't stay quiet about your hearing!
If you have any concerns about your hearing health or your device, simply book a hearing care appointment with one of our qualified audiologists today.
