Getting hearing aids is a big step and one that can be quite nerve-wracking, but also something that can immeasurably change your quality of life for the better. However, there is a difference between a little bit of hearing loss that comes with age and the steep decline that some people get that requires them to get hearing aids. The only way to tell the difference is through a hearing aid test, which will either confirm that your hearing is fine or recommend you get a certain type of hearing aid. Here are a few warning signs that indicate whether or not you need a hearing aid test.

Do You Have  A Family History Of Hearing Loss?

If your family has an obvious link to hearing loss throughout generations, then you should definitely be more proactive about taking care of your hearing. It doesn't have to be everyone before you either, if a couple of uncles or great aunts, perhaps a grandparent or two, has hearing loss then you are much higher risk. There are genetic trends that can be passed down from generation to generation, and often your primary care doctor will ask about this when treating you for any sort of condition that can be hereditary, hearing loss included. 

Where Do You Work?

If hearing is vital to your work, or you work in a very loud environment, then a hearing aid test might be far more common than you would think. Many people who work in these positions end up with premature hearing loss if they don't use proper protection (or even if they do). At the first signs of hearing loss, you should immediately try to stop work and go get a hearing aid test done to see if this is preventable or if the damage is too deep already. Always use the provided safety equipment at your job!

Age

Age is a significant factor in hearing, and everyone's hearing will degrade at some point as they get older. The problem is that many older people simply shrug off hearing loss as just a part of life and don't try to get it fixed when there are clear solutions. A hearing aid test can provide insight into how far gone the hearing is and whether smaller hearing aids can help, rather than waiting until you need a much larger implant to help. The key is to always get ahead of this problem before it does irrevocable damage.