It seems perfectly natural to go to your annual physical at your doctor’s office or to get your teeth checked and cleaned every 6 – 12 months, but what about your ears? When it comes to hearing health, there’s a tendency to overlook preventive care. A physical exam, preventive dental care and annual vision tests are common, hearing tests should also become part of an annual, regular, health checkup.

A hearing test can help you identify any changes in your hearing ability. Hearing loss usually happens over time, gradually, and therefore often goes undetected for a long time. As the hearing loss intensifies the person experiencing such loss begins to avoid certain social activities, family gatherings and business situations. Hearing loss negatively impacts your quality of life and that of your family as you withdraw from activities you used to enjoy.

Nothing will be gained by postponing a comprehensive hearing test. Hearing tests are key to evaluating and improving your hearing and most hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids or medically. Our audiologists at Clifton Springs Hearing Center perform hearing tests to establish the condition of your ears and how well you can hear.  Hearing tests are brief and do not cause discomfort. Once our audiologists have the hearing test results they will review them with you and discuss different options for treatment or the need for hearing aids. There are certain clues to look for to determine whether you may be experiencing hearing loss.

Look for one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Speech that seems muffled or not clear
  • Difficulty hearing in background noise
  • Perception that others do not speak clearly or their voice level is too low
  • Avoidance of group conversations or difficulty following a conversation
  • Increasing the volume in your electronic devices
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Not being able to hear sounds such as chimes or birds chirping
  • Asking people to repeat themselves
  • Avoidance of telephone conversations as it is hard to understand on the phone

If you find that you are experiencing any of these symptoms do not hesitate to schedule a hearing test to establish your current hearing ability.

Sometimes a hearing loss can be something as simple as ear wax buildup. If our audiologists determine you have hearing loss they will be in the best position to advice you on your options so you can address it and start living your life fully once again. Early diagnosis is very important to avoid further deterioration of your hearing. Make testing your hearing part of your regular health checkups!