Find Out Whether a Change in Hearing Needs Attention
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to adapt without realizing how much sound or speech you are missing. A hearing evaluation can measure your current hearing, clarify why certain situations feel difficult and establish a record for future comparison.
If conversations are becoming harder to follow, family members have noticed a change or you are concerned about your hearing, call Colorado Hearing at 970-318-2010 to schedule an adult hearing evaluation in Montrose, Colorado.
Common Signs You May Need a Hearing Test
Consider scheduling a hearing evaluation if you regularly experience any of the following:
- You hear people speaking but cannot understand every word
- Voices frequently seem muffled or unclear
- You struggle to follow conversations in restaurants or other noisy places
- You ask people to repeat themselves
- You turn the television or radio louder than others prefer
- You have difficulty hearing on the telephone
- You misunderstand words or respond inappropriately
- You feel tired after trying to follow conversations
- You avoid social activities because hearing is difficult
- Family members or friends have expressed concern about your hearing
Being able to hear well in a quiet room does not necessarily mean your hearing is unaffected. Early hearing changes may be most noticeable when several people are speaking, background noise is present or the speaker is farther away.
Other Reasons to Have Your Hearing Evaluated
Testing may also be appropriate when you:
- Experience persistent tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Have a history of repeated or intense noise exposure
- Take medication associated with possible hearing effects
- Notice that one ear hears differently from the other
- Have concerns about balance or dizziness
- Need a baseline test because of work, medical treatment or personal risk factors
- Wear hearing aids but no longer receive the same benefit
People taking medication with known hearing risks should speak with the healthcare professional managing their treatment. Learn more about medication-related hearing changes and ototoxicity.
When Hearing Changes Require Prompt Medical Attention
Sudden hearing loss should not wait for a routine appointment. Seek prompt medical care if hearing decreases suddenly in one or both ears, particularly when accompanied by dizziness, ear pressure or tinnitus.
Medical evaluation may also be appropriate for ear pain, drainage, significant balance problems, an object in the ear or a noticeable difference between ears. Colorado Hearing can refer patients for medical care when findings or symptoms fall outside the scope of hearing-aid services.
What a Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation Can Show
A comprehensive adult hearing evaluation provides more information than a basic hearing screening. Depending on your needs, testing may include:
- Review of your hearing concerns and relevant history
- Video otoscopy to examine the ear canals
- Pure-tone testing to measure hearing at different frequencies
- Speech testing to evaluate understanding
- Tympanometry to assess middle-ear function
The results can identify whether hearing loss is present, how much hearing has changed and whether hearing technology or further medical evaluation should be considered.
How Often Should Adults Have Their Hearing Tested?
There is no single testing schedule that applies to every adult. The appropriate timing depends on your symptoms, hearing history, noise exposure, medications, medical guidance and whether you already use hearing aids.
An evaluation is reasonable when you notice a change or someone close to you raises a concern. A healthcare professional may also recommend baseline or follow-up testing based on your individual circumstances.
Patients receiving hearing-aid care through Colorado Hearing can receive follow-up service as needed, with complete refitting appointments at least every six months during an active treatment period.
Experience Evaluating Adult Hearing
Brian Bennett, BC-HIS, is a Board Certified Hearing Specialist and Colorado-licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser who has served Montrose patients since 2010. He has completed more than 2,500 hearing evaluations and uses a sound-treated testing area, video otoscope, audiometer and tympanometer to evaluate hearing and middle-ear function.
If testing identifies permanent hearing loss, he can explain professionally fitted prescription hearing-aid options based on your hearing, lifestyle and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Tests
Should I have a hearing test even if I can hear some sounds clearly?
Yes, if speech is unclear or certain listening situations are difficult. Hearing loss can affect particular frequencies, so you may hear some sounds while missing important parts of speech.
Do all adults need a hearing test after age 40?
There is no universal testing schedule for every adult without symptoms. Testing should be based on hearing concerns, risk factors, medical guidance and individual circumstances.
Can earwax make it seem like I have hearing loss?
Yes. Impacted earwax can block sound and cause temporary hearing changes. An examination of the ear canals helps determine whether wax may be contributing. Learn more about professional earwax removal.
How long does a hearing test take?
Appointment length depends on the tests needed and the questions discussed. When scheduling, our team can explain what to expect and how much time to reserve.
Does a hearing test mean I will need hearing aids?
No. The purpose of testing is to understand your hearing. Recommendations depend on the results, your communication needs and whether medical evaluation or hearing technology is appropriate.
Schedule a Hearing Test in Montrose, CO
Clear answers begin with accurate testing. Call Colorado Hearing at 970-318-2010 or contact our team online to schedule your adult hearing evaluation.