Some medical considerations are obvious on the service — if you have a stuffy nose, a cough, and feel a little under the weather, you may have a cold. But it’s also true that while some health considerations seem obvious on the surface, they are anything but upon deeper inspection.

Hearing tests share this difficulty. This is because our ENT system is often influenced by conditions that affect one component, then the other. Moreover, it’s not just hearing loss that can be a sign you need a hearing test as we like to imagine. There are more conditions that may make it worthwhile to try a hearing exam.

In this post, we’ll discuss four of those signs and hopefully help you detect any conditions and thus treatment which may be required.

Experiencing Dizziness or Balance Issues

Dizziness or balance issues can often be linked to the inner ear, which is important for keeping your balance. If you find yourself feeling unsteady or dizzy without a clear origin or it happens in uncomfortable waves, it might be worth considering a hearing test. This can help make it clear whether there’s an issue with your inner ear, while you also have further medical checks too. 

Pain or Discomfort in the Ears

Pain or discomfort in the ears is another sign that shouldn’t be ignored. While it might seem like a simple ear infection or temporary irritation, continual ear pain, perhaps dull and prolonged or even sharp and short, can possibly be a deeper problem. A hearing test can help understand the cause and escalate any treatment that you might need. Ignoring ongoing ear pain might lead to more serious issues down the line, so it’s important to get it checked out.

Feeling of Fullness in One or Both Ears

A feeling of fullness in one or both ears can be quite uncomfortable and affect your hearing. This sensation can be caused by a good number of irritating factors, including earwax buildup, fluid in the ear, or even an infection. It’s a pretty clear sign that something is off, so don’t put off that hearing test. It may just be that an audiologist sees that you need to have your ear wax drained or syringed with care.

Ringing in the Ears 

Ringing in the ears is a common condition and it’s also known as tinnitus. This might not always be present, but hearing loss can certainly contribute to it. The experience can range from a mild annoyance to an impossible to ignore presence, and you deserve care for that. Remember that tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss, ear injuries, or other auditory issues. Finding the right treatment, be that through hearing aids or even lifestyle changes can be helpful, but you’ll never be able to seek that solution without a dedicated approach.

With this advice, you’ll be certain to find the hearing test you need and have it done within an appropriate amount of time. This can also prevent you from letting a small issue get worse.