Hearing tests are common and unobtrusive measurements performed by audiologists. Hearing loss is common in older people, usually between 60 and 75, but shouldn’t be dismissed as something for the older generation only, since there are numerous reasons that you might need a hearing test.

Hearing loss can occur from the age of 25 onwards and is exacerbated by various things such as loud noises, trauma and ear-related issues like wax and ear infections. But you might not even be aware that you need a hearing test since hearing loss can happen over time which becomes noticeable.

Obviously, the first sign that you might need a hearing test is by experiencing issues related to hearing, such as muffled sounds or ringing in the ears. Loud hobbies can damage your hearing without noticing, and even your job could diminish your hearing due to noise-exposure.

Hearing Issues

Having trouble understanding people during a conversation or flossing someone mid-conversation is a common indicator that you are experiencing hearing loss. Other things such as muffled sounds from everyday things can also play a role in indicating hearing issues, especially with high-pitched sounds like ringing phones and singing birds.

Another serious symptom of hearing loss is a ringing in your ears which could be a sign of a more serious condition such as tinnitus. This is commonly more pronounced in a quiet environment and can cause psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, so seeking help with this immediately is highly recommended.

Loud Hobbies

A typical jet engine can reach deafening sound levels of up to 140dB, more than twice that of recommended safe sound. The high pitch of a jet engine can damage your ears which makes a hobby such as this one of the most dangerous when it comes to protecting your ears. If you engage in this regularly then you should schedule regular hearing tests to check for hearing loss.

Musicians are also exposed to loud sounds continuously and regularly, meaning that there is a very high risk of developing hearing-related issues such as hearing loss and tinnitus. Because of the loud and continuous exposure to music and varying frequencies, musicians should regularly have their ears checked for signs of hearing loss.

When You Need Hearing Protection

If you perform a job that requires you to wear ear protection, then you probably need hearing tests on a regular basis. Work environments can be a primary contributor to hazardous sounds that can damage the ears over time. Working on a construction site, at an airport close to planes or even working at a busy restaurant can damage your ears.

These are usually over 85dB and might require ear protection. The situation itself and the types of sounds you are subjected to will dictate the type of ear protection that you require but should you be regularly exposed to any situation that requires ear protection as standard, then as a matter of course, your ears are at risk and you should see an audiologist on a regular basis.