Should You See a Hearing Instrument Specialist?

Hearing is one of the most important senses that we have as humans. However, most people don’t realize when they have a hearing problem because it often occurs gradually. Left untreated, hearing loss can negatively impact your quality of life, whether making your career more difficult or causing relationship rifts.

But when is “enough,” enough? When should you finally go to see a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) about your hearing loss?

You’re a senior and you’ve never had a hearing test

As you get older, the chances of you suffering from hearing loss increase. As a result, you may want to go for a hearing test when you’re every two to five years once you turn 50, depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing. If you’ve never had a hearing test before, then you won’t know if you even had slight hearing loss that might develop over time.

Others complain that your devices are too loud

If you find that others complain about the volume on your devices, such as your TV or your laptop, then you might be suffering from slight hearing loss. Other people can often stand slightly louder noises, but it’s loud to a point that it’s uncomfortable for other family members and friends, then it could be a sign that your hearing has worsened and, as a result, you need to turn up the volume on something like a TV much higher than they would.

You find yourself asking others to repeat themselves

One of the most common signs of hearing loss is that you ask others to repeat themselves all the time. Of course, this doesn’t really apply if you’re in a loud place such as a club or a bar, but if you’re having a regular conversation with someone at work and you find yourself asking them to repeat themselves more often than before, then your hearing could be deteriorating. This is a good sign to speak with a hearing instrument specialist to have your hearing checked.

It’s hard to concentrate during a conversation

If you find it difficult to focus during a conversation and regularly find yourself drifting out of one, then it could be an early sign of hearing loss. Make sure you schedule an appointment with a HIS to have your symptoms evaluated and receive the treatment you deserve. Whether they recommend hearing aids or simply perform a baseline exam, their assessment can play a valuable role in your hearing health for years to come.