Recognizing when you need a hearing test can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life. If you often ask people to repeat themselves or find yourself turning up the volume on the TV, it might be time to check your hearing. Struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments or feeling like others are mumbling are also key signs.

You may also notice that you’re frequently missing phone calls or alarms, or that you’re having difficulty understanding speech over the phone. Experiencing a constant ringing in your ears, known as tinnitus, is another red flag. These symptoms can be subtle at first but tend to worsen over time if left unchecked. A hearing screening can help identify these issues early.

In social settings, if you find yourself withdrawing or avoiding group activities because you can’t keep up with conversations, it’s a strong indication that a hearing test is needed. Physical signs like dizziness or a feeling of fullness in the ears can also point to potential hearing issues.

Don’t ignore these signs. Early detection through a professional hearing test can help prevent further deterioration and improve your ability to communicate effectively, ensuring you maintain a high quality of life.