Hearing loss is a common condition, with around 15% of American adults (37.5 million people) reporting hearing difficulty. These issues often worsen with age, with 55% of those over 75 experiencing disabling hearing loss.
Fortunately, advances in medicine and technology have made managing hearing loss easier than ever. Today, a visit to an ENT doctor can help you identify underlying causes and create a personalized treatment plan that minimizes the impact on your day-to-day life.
Let's examine some of the signs you should get your hearing checked and what to expect from a professional hearing test.
How to Tell If You Need a Hearing Check
If you can't remember the last time you had a hearing check, consider asking for one at your next annual physical. Even if you're not currently experiencing any difficulty, having the test results as a baseline can help an ENT doctor track changes over time.
People noticing one or more of the following symptoms should consider getting a professional hearing test sooner rather than later.
You're Turning up the Volume More Often Than Usual
Whether you listen to music or a podcast, it's normal to raise the volume in noisy environments. However, if you find yourself increasing the volume more often than usual, or that the maximum volume isn't loud enough, it could be a sign of early hearing loss.
You Struggle to Follow Conversations
It's not uncommon to struggle to hear a friend or a family member chatting with you from across a crowded restaurant table. But if any level of background noise prevents you from properly hearing, or you frequently ask people to repeat themselves, it might be time for a hearing test.
You Notice Ringing or Buzzing in Your Ears (Tinnitus)
Do you ever hear a ringing or buzzing sound that others can't? Tinnitus is a common condition where people perceive sound without an external source. For some, it's a moderate annoyance, while for others, it's a severe condition that can impact focus, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Friends or Family Comment on Your Hearing
Those closest to you are often the first to recognize when hearing loss takes place. If multiple friends or family members comment on your hearing or that you miss parts of conversations, it could be a sign of a gradual hearing loss worth evaluating.
You Avoid Social Situations Because of Hearing Strain
An unspoken side effect of hearing loss is the emotional impact it can have on people's livelihoods. If you find yourself avoiding certain social situations because you assume you won't follow what's being said, see an ENT doctor as soon as possible. They won't just assess your hearing - they'll help you get back to engaging more fully in your daily life.
How to Get Your Hearing Tested
The process of scheduling a visit with an ENT of Georgia South audiologist is as straightforward as you'd hope for. You don't need a referral from your primary care provider - just give us a call and schedule an appointment with us. We'll gather your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a series of non-invasive tests to discuss your hearing health.
Not sure how to get hearing tested with or without insurance? Our team is happy to walk you through the process.
What Happens During a Hearing Check?
When you first meet with your audiologist, they'll begin by asking about your medical history, any concerns you may have about your hearing, and lifestyle factors that may be impacting your hearing health. They'll then examine your ear canals and eardrums before conducting a few tests.
These may include:
- Air conduction testing: You wear headphones and listen to tones playing at different frequencies, raising your hand or pressing a button when you hear a sound
- Bone conduction testing: A small device is placed behind your ear on a headband. This plays sound directly into your ear, helping to determine the location and type of hearing loss
- Speech testing: You'll hear words or sentences and repeat them back, helping your doctor assess how well you understand speech at different volume levels.
These tests, as well as an examination of your medical history and reported symptoms, provide the ENT doctor with the information they need to create a tailored treatment plan.
Do You Need Hearing Aids?
If you're wondering how to tell if you need hearing aids, know that this is something your audiologist will help you determine. While hearing aids are the right treatment option for some patients, your ENT doctor's visit will help you identify the solution best suited to your needs.
Whether it's a traditional hearing aid, a cochlear implant, a tinnitus masker, or another device, your audiologist will take precise measurements to ensure the technology is both effective and comfortable.
Within several days, you'll have your first fitting and can expect a few follow-up adjustments in the next several weeks. Following that, annual or bi-annual visits are typically all that's needed to keep your hearing technology working at its best.
When to See the Experts of ENT of Georgia South
If you believe your hearing has deteriorated or you experience consistent pain, swelling, or other symptoms of ear infections, it's a good idea to see an ENT doctor. They can help diagnose what may be going on, as well as recommend a course of action moving forward.
Whether you're looking for an audiology assessment, hearing restoration treatment, or surgery for hearing loss, ENT of Georgia South offers personalized care and local support. Schedule a consultation with us today!