Hearing problems are surprisingly widespread, and most people don’t even realize when they have one. In fact, it’s estimated that around one in eight people have some form of hearing loss in both of their ears.

But Why Don’t People Realize When They Have Hearing Loss?

The biggest problem is because of how gradual hearing loss is. We don’t have a way to easily compare our hearing to other people, and it happens so slowly that we usually don’t take notice. Thankfully, there are a couple of signs to look out for and a couple of standard situations where you should consider seeing an audiologist.

You’re Above the Age of 55 and Have Never Had a Hearing Exam

Around eight percent of adults aged 55 to 64 have some form of hearing loss. As you approach this age, it’s important to consider seeing an audiologist if you’ve never had a hearing exam before. This will help you identify if you’re starting to develop a hearing problem. If you want to be extra cautious, then you can consider a hearing exam between the ages of 45 and 54. At this age range, around two percent of adults have hearing loss.

Other People Have Commented on Your Hearing

One of the most common ways to realize that you have hearing loss is when someone else mentions it to you. For example, someone might make a jab at you saying that your hearing is a little off, or they might mention that the volume of your music or your TV is a little loud. These are potential signs that you might be experiencing some kind of hearing problem. It’s a good time to consider visiting an audiologist to have your hearing examined.

You’re Thinking About Getting Hearing Aids for Your Hearing Loss

One of the best ways to overcome hearing problems is to use hearing aids. These small devices sit on or in your ear and help by amplifying the noises around you. They can be personalized with different settings and they’re a great option for people who find that their hearing problems can cause disruption to their daily lifestyle. If you’re curious about hearing aids, then an audiologist can examine your hearing and help you find a suitable hearing aid for your needs. You might find it easier to work with an audiologist who can give you suggestions on what type of hearing aid would be best suited for your needs.

You’ve Started to Develop Tinnitus

Another good reason to visit an audiologist is to help with your tinnitus. Tinnitus is usually described as a persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears that can happen sporadically or even be constant. Tinnitus can be related to hearing loss, but it might also be caused by other ear related issues. As such, it’s best to see an audiologist to learn more about the condition so you can get a better understanding of how to treat it and deal with long-term tinnitus.