subject: Find Out Who Needs A Hearing Test [print this page] Many people assume they do not need to get a hearing test, but some people in particular would benefit from one. You should get an idea of the signs you should probably get this kind of exam. If it turns out you should in fact schedule one, it's time to look for local clinics that offer it for free.
If you are over the age of 60 and have not had a hearing test lately, or ever, you should schedule one. Most people lose some of their ability to hear as they age, and you are probably no exception. In fact, it may turn out that you have lost more than you might expect. This is why you should get an exam to find out exactly how much ability to hear has changed with age. That way, you can start looking for devices that will help you hear better than before. The sooner you do this, the better.
In fact, no matter how old you are, you should try to get a hearing test about every two years. There is no reason not to schedule one since it can often be obtained for free from many clinics, so do not let a lack of funds or insurance stop you. If you want to keep your ears in the best condition possible and catch any problems early on, you should get your ears checked every few years. Of course, if you are older or have been having symptoms of ear problems, you should likely get this done more often for best results.
In addition, if you have any reason to believe you cannot hear like you used to, it is time to get a hearing test. For example, if you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more and more often, this is a sign you need an exam. If your phone or television volume does not seem to be able to be turned up any more because it's at the maximum, you might have an issue. You can ask friends and family what they think if you are not sure. If they claim you always seem to be asking them to repeat themselves, it is best to get your ears checked.
The good news is that not only is this exam often free, but it is also painless and quite fast. Therefore, there is no reason to put it off or ignore it altogether. This is especially the case if you have reason to believe your ability to hear has gone downhill.
