Most of us have done it, put off going to the doctors or the dentist, hoping whatever problem we're experiencing will resolve itself. But the simple fact is when it comes to your health it's better to get a problem checked out as soon as possible - and it's certainly no different when it comes to your hearing.

Hearing loss can affect your life and those of your loved ones more than you might think, so if you are experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss (such as misunderstanding conversation or turning the TV up too loud for the family) it's best to get it checked out as soon as you can by attending a hearing test.

Hearing loss could be due to something as minor as an infection or excessive wax, and a trip to your GP or a hearing specialist such as those at Boots hearingcare is the first step in finding a remedy for the problem. If your hearing loss is due to other causes such as exposure to noise or ageing then everyday that you leave it unchecked your ears will be working harder as they strain to hear and this can cause the symptoms of hearing loss to escalate at a greater pace - so acting sooner rather than later on a suspected hearing loss is wise.

There is also suggestion that the quicker you act to treat the symptoms of a hearing loss, by way of hearing aids, the more benefit you will get from them. If your brain goes without receiving sounds (auditory signals) for an extended period of time when it does start receiving them - with the help of a hearing aid - it has to get used to them again and this can take time.

It can be very tempting to think "tomorrow" but if you suspect you may not be hearing as well as you used to, it makes sense to go and get it checked out as soon as you can, to help prevent things getting worse and to give yourself the best chance of hearing better with the help of a hearing aid.

Hearing tests are offered free of charge in Boots hearingcare centres across the UK and will provide you with professional advice about your hearing and if necessary information about hearing aids that could help you to hear and feel better.