We all know that we need to take care of our ears. Yet, it’s easy for people to ignore some of the most important aspects of ear health as they go about their day-to-day lives. What are those aspects? Well, there are plenty, but seven signs you may need to see an audiologist right away could be a good start.
1. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is an issue that most people know about, so it’s a natural place to begin. If you’ve noticed your hearing decreasing over time, you may have an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
2. Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be intermittent or constant, ranging in severity from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. It can be a sign of other health issues or even just an indicator that your environment needs to change. The bottom line is that if you’re dealing with tinnitus, schedule an appointment with your audiologist.
3. Muffled Hearing
Muffled hearing is another symptom that can have many different causes, including ear wax build-up, fluid in the ears, obstructions in the ear canal, or eardrum damage. You can try to clean up your ears at home with irrigation to improve your hearing, but if you are still experiencing muffled hearing after a few tries, it’s time to see an audiologist.
4. Ear Pain
Ear pain is another sign that something may be wrong. It could be a sign of infection, wax build-up, or another issue. If you’re experiencing pain in your ears, it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.
5. Difficulty Hearing in Noise
Do you find yourself saying “what?” a lot? Difficulty hearing in noise is another common sign of hearing loss. If you’re having trouble following conversations in busy environments, it’s time to see an audiologist.
6. When You Need a Hearing Aid
While it’s always a good idea to see an audiologist if you’re experiencing any of the above issues, it’s especially important if you need a hearing aid. Hearing aids need regular care and occasional adjustment and replacement—which means that you should see an audiologist anyway to make sure your hearing device is working as intended and for maintenance and cleaning.
7. If You’re Concerned
Even if you don’t experience any of the above symptoms, it’s always a good idea to see an audiologist if you’re concerned about your hearing health. An audiologist can give you a comprehensive evaluation and advise you on the best way to protect your hearing in the future.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), roughly 15% of American adults (37.5 million) have had difficulty hearing at some time in their lives. If you’re one of them, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our audiologist. We can help you get on the path to better hearing health.
Call Ear Specialists of Omaha & Bellevue at (402) 933-3277 for more information or to schedule an appointment.