Most of us get our eyes tested at least once a year. We’re advised to get them checked twice a year, and you might go more often if you wear glasses or have trouble with your vision. The optometrist is often our first port of call if we’re experiencing headaches, and it’s a relatively normal part of life. But, few of us get our ears tested. We get them checked in childhood and assume that our hearing will be fine until we are much older.
But, hearing loss can occur at any time in life, and your ears are more complicated than you probably think they are. Your audiologist doesn’t just test to see if you can still hear to an acceptable standard and fit hearing aids. They can also diagnose and treat other problems with your ears, which could be affecting you in different ways. Here are some of the signs that you need to see an audiologist soon.
You Have Earache
We often attribute earache to a waxy build-up or as one of the symptoms of a cold. While it’s true that most earaches have an obvious cause, this isn’t always the case. If you have severe or frequent earaches and no other symptoms, visit an audiologist before trying to clean them yourself.
Yes, the cause is most likely a waxy build-up. But, if the wax is impacted, you risk doing more harm if you try to extract it yourself. An audiologist can effectively remove the wax without doing further harm to your ears.
You’ve Noticed a Change to Your Hearing
Hearing loss is fairly common. It can be caused by a trauma and come on suddenly, or it can be a gradual process that you aren’t aware of until someone else mentions how loud your TV is. Some hearing loss is permanent and will worsen over time, but, often hearing loss as a result of trauma will get better in time. Either way, you should get help to understand your treatment options. Hearing loss certainly isn’t something that you have to live with, no matter what the cause.
There’s a Ringing in Your Ears
Tinnitus is very common and has a variety of different causes. It is usually ringing, but other strange sounds such as squeaking, creaking, or scratching, can also be tinnitus. It can typically be treated or at least managed.
You’re Having Trouble with Your Balance
Your ears are responsible for your balance. If you find that you are tipping over or veering to one side or feeling unsteady on your feet, you may have an inner ear infection that an audiologist can treat.
You’ve Experienced a Trauma
Sometimes, we know exactly what has happened. If you’ve been near a very loud noise, or your ears have been involved in another trauma, you should see an audiologist even if you don’t have any symptoms, to make sure there’s no underlying damage which could affect you later in life.
Most problems with our ears can be easily treated, and making an appointment is simple. Give your ears the same attention as you do your eyes, and they are likely to serve you well for longer.
Leave a Reply