Hearing Test in Bendigo: When Should You Have Your Hearing Checked?

If you often ask people to repeat themselves, turn up the television or struggle to follow conversations in noisy places, it may be time to have your hearing checked. Hearing changes can develop gradually, so you might adapt without realising how much has changed. A hearing assessment can help you understand what you’re experiencing and whether you need further care.

Signs that it may be time for a hearing test

Consider booking a hearing assessment if you regularly:

• Ask people to repeat themselves or feel they’re speaking too softly.
• Turn up the television louder than others prefer.
• Hear someone speaking but struggle to make out the words.
• Find conversations difficult in restaurants, at gatherings or in the car.
• Rely more on watching people’s faces or lips to follow a conversation.
• Notice that one ear hears differently from the other or that a change in hearing persists.

Family members may notice these changes before you do. If someone close to you mentions that you’re missing parts of conversations, that’s also a reason to get your hearing checked.

If your hearing drops suddenly in one or both ears, seek urgent medical care straight away. It can feel like a blocked ear.

What happens during a hearing assessment?

Your audiologist will ask about your hearing history and when you find it hardest to follow conversations. A comprehensive assessment may include:

• An ear examination to look inside your ear canals.
• A hearing threshold test to measure the quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches.
• Speech testing to assess how clearly you understand words.

Your audiologist may carry out additional tests depending on your symptoms and the initial findings. They’ll explain what the results mean for everyday listening and whether monitoring, medical review or hearing support may be appropriate.

Does a hearing test mean you’ll need hearing aids?

A hearing test helps you and your audiologist decide what support, if any, would help. Depending on the results and your day-to-day needs, the next step may be monitoring your hearing, discussing ways to make conversations easier, or arranging a medical review. If hearing aids are an option, your audiologist can explain where they might help so you can make an informed decision.

‍Book a hearing assessment in Bendigo

Smart Hearing Specialists provides comprehensive hearing assessments and ongoing hearing care for adults in Bendigo and surrounding communities. If you’ve noticed a gradual change or are unsure about your hearing, an assessment at our Kennington clinic can help you understand your results and decide what to do next. 

Book a hearing assessment with Smart Hearing Specialists

Conclusion

If conversations are becoming harder to follow, you’re turning up the television more often or one ear seems clearer than the other, it’s worth having your hearing checked. A comprehensive hearing assessment can help explain what has changed and whether monitoring, medical review or hearing support is appropriate.

Book a hearing assessment with Smart Hearing Specialists at Kennington Village Shopping Centre in Bendigo.

Frequently asked questions

Can I need a hearing test even if I can still hear people talking?

Yes. You may hear someone’s voice clearly enough to know they’re speaking but still miss words, especially in a busy restaurant or group conversation. If this happens regularly, a hearing assessment can help investigate why.

What is the difference between a hearing screening and a comprehensive hearing assessment?

A hearing screening is a brief check to see whether you may need further testing. A comprehensive assessment gives a fuller picture of how each ear hears sounds at different pitches and may include an ear examination and speech testing.

How often should adults have their hearing checked?

The timing depends on your symptoms, hearing history and factors such as regular exposure to loud noise. If you notice a change, arrange an assessment. Your audiologist can use the results to suggest when a follow-up would be appropriate.

Should I get my hearing checked if one ear seems worse than the other?

Yes. Arrange an assessment if you notice a gradual or persistent difference between your ears. If hearing drops suddenly in either ear, go to your local emergency department straight away.

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