Hearing loss has diverse causes. It can stem from advanced age, long-term exposure to loud noises, auditory system trauma, disease, side effects of medication, and ear infections. To determine if you should schedule a hearing test, review these five signs.

When to Schedule a Hearing Test

1. Trouble Understanding Speech

Correctly interpreting speech may be challenging if you have hearing loss. You may hear “mow,” for example, instead of “throw” or “deer” instead of “clear.” Trouble with consonants and letter combinations that give words their distinctive sound is a common indication. If you find yourself nodding along or withdrawing from conversations because interpreting speech has become too difficult, it’s time to see an audiologist.

2. Turning Up the Volume

The sound of televisions, radios, and other electronic devices may seem low when you have hearing loss. If you’re always turning the volume up or asking others to adjust the sound, schedule a hearing test.

3. Ringing in the Ears

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, happens to many people periodically throughout their lives. Persistent ear ringing from prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as those on construction sites, signals hearing loss that should be checked by an audiologist.

4. Hearing Over Background Noise

Perhaps you can distinguish words and sounds when you’re listening to one person or a single device but not when many are speaking or there’s background noise. Difficulty hearing people talk at parties or over the phone when you’re outside is an indication your hearing may be failing.

5. Not Detecting Everyday Sounds

Hearing test candidates frequently realize they no longer hear everyday sounds, such as alarms, phone notifications, children playing outdoors, and chirping birds. If you’re late to work because you no longer hear your alarm or miss phone calls from a spouse, schedule a test to check your hearing.

If you think it’s time for a hearing test, schedule one with Russellville Hearing Clinic. For over 20, years Dr. Charles Palmer has provided tests, hearing aids, repairs to assistive devices, and related services to residents throughout Russellville, AR, and the surrounding communities of Pope County. Call (479) 968-7250 today to make an appointment, or learn more about their customized hearing solutions online.