Getting your hearing tested is important for many reasons, but the main one is that it can effectively pick up on gradual hearing loss that you may not have noticed. Hearing loss can be subtle, but this guide describes three signs that you should book yourself a hearing test.

You Can't Hear the TV or Radio Well 

Having trouble hearing the radio or TV is often one of the first signs of hearing loss, but it's also quite a noticeable sign. Perhaps you know what volume you used to have your TV on, and now that volume seems very quiet, or you find it hard to follow the plot of programmes you've never seen before. Maybe someone told you that your car radio is very loud, or you now watch everything with subtitles. Whatever the case, getting a hearing test will help you to figure out what's going on, and with treatment, you will be able to fully enjoy your favourite radio stations and TV shows.

You Find Conversations Hard to Follow

This sign can be quite subtle and hard to spot, as it's easy to think people simply aren't speaking clearly, or that the surrounding environment is too loud. However, there are a few things to look out for. Do you find it easy to follow conversations at home, but in public it's harder because of background noise? Do you often need people to repeat themselves? Have people told you that you aren't listening? Do you often hear the vowels in a word, but miss the consonants? If you're worried about any of these things, it's time to book a test.​

You've Never Had a Hearing Test

This might sound obvious, but many people don't have regular hearing tests or have never had a hearing test. WebMD explains that until you turn 50, you should get a hearing test every ten years. After you turn 50, you should get one every three years. This is so hearing loss can be picked up on and treated as soon as possible, before it starts to negatively impact your life. They also point out that even if you're young and don't feel like you have hearing loss, it's still a good idea to get regular hearing tests as they form a baseline and will show how your hearing changes over the decades.

Whether you can't hear the TV, are struggling to take part in conversations or have realised you haven't had a hearing test for a long time, getting a hearing test is a great way to figure out what's going on with your hearing and take the first step towards treatment.