It’s hard to comprehend but most individuals have gone over ten years without having a hearing test.
Harper is one of them. She schedules a checkup and cleaning with her dentist every six months and she shows up dutifully for her yearly medical examination. She even gets her timing belt replaced every 6000 miles! But she always forgets to schedule her hearing test.
There are many reasons to get hearing tests, early detection of hearing loss being one of the more important. Harper’s ears and hearing will stay as healthy as possible if she determines how frequently to get her hearing checked.
So you should have your hearing tested how often?
It’s disconcerting to think that Harper hasn’t taken a hearing exam in 10 years. Or perhaps it isn’t. How old she is will greatly determine our reaction. Depending on age, guidelines will differ.
- If you are over fifty years of age: The general suggestion is that anyone above fifty years old should make an appointment for yearly hearing tests As you age, the noise damage you’ve incurred over a lifetime can begin to accelerate, which means hearing loss is more likely to start impacting your life. In addition, there may be other health problems that can affect your hearing.
- For individuals under 50: Once every 3 to 10 years is recommended for hearing tests. Obviously, it’s fine to get a hearing assessment more often. But the bare minimum is once every ten years. And you should play it safe and get tested more often if you work in a job that tends to be loud or if you go to a lot of concerts. It’s quick, simple, and painless so why not come in?
Indications you should get your hearing assessed
Of course, your annual (or semi-annual) hearing assessment isn’t the only good time to schedule an appointment with us. Signs of hearing loss may start to surface. And when they do you need to make an appointment with us for a hearing exam.
Here are some clues that you need a hearing test:
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear.
- You’re having a hard time making out conversations when you’re in a noisy setting.
- You’re having a hard time hearing sounds in higher frequencies such as consonants.
- Asking people to slow down or repeat themselves during a conversation.
- Having a very difficult time understanding people when talking on the phone, mobile or otherwise.
- Cranking your television or car stereo up to extremely high volumes.
- Sounds become muffled; it starts to sound as if you always have water in your ears.
When the previously mentioned warning signs begin to add up, it’s a good indication that the ideal time to get a hearing test is right now. The sooner you get your hearing checked, the sooner you’ll know what’s happening with your ears.
How will a hearing test be beneficial?
Harper may be late getting her hearing checked for a number of reasons.
It might have slipped her mind.
It’s possible that she just doesn’t want to deal with it. But getting the suggested hearing tests has concrete benefits.
We can set up a baseline for your hearing, which will help determine any future deviations, even if it’s presently healthy. You’ll be in a better position to safeguard your hearing if you recognize any early hearing loss before it becomes obvious.
Detecting hearing issues before they create permanent hearing loss is the exact reason somebody like Harper should get tested regularly. Recognizing your hearing loss early by getting your hearing checked when you should will help you keep your ears healthier, longer. Consider the effects of hearing loss on your overall health, it’s that important.