It’s hard to comprehend but most individuals have gone over ten years without having a hearing test.
Harper is one of them. She reports to her doctor for her yearly medical exam and gets her teeth cleaned every six months. She even gets her timing belt replaced every 6000 miles! But her hearing exam normally gets neglected.
Hearing evaluations are essential for a multitude of reasons, early detection of hearing loss being one of the most essential. Harper’s ears and hearing will remain as healthy as possible if she determines how often to get her hearing checked.
So, just how frequently should you have a hearing assessment?
If the last time Harper took a hearing assessment was over ten years ago, that’s disconcerting. Or maybe it isn’t. Her age will largely determine our reaction. That’s because we have different suggestions based on age.
- For people over 50: The general suggestion is that anybody above fifty years old should schedule yearly hearing exams Hearing loss is more likely to have an affect on your life as you age because the noise damage that has accumulated over a lifetime will accelerate that impairment. In addition, there could be other health issues that can affect your hearing.
- If you are less than fifty years old: Once every 3 to 10 years is suggested for hearing tests. There’s no harm in getting your ears tested more often, of course! But the bare minimum is once every ten years. And you should be cautious and get tested more frequently if you work in an occupation that tends to be loud or if you go to a lot of concerts. After all, it’s painless, simple, and there’s really no good reason not to do it.
You need to have your hearing assessed if you notice any of these signs.
Needless to say, your annual (or semi-annual) hearing test isn’t the only good time to make an appointment with us. Signs of hearing loss might begin to crop up. And in those cases, it’s important to get in touch with us and schedule a hearing assessment.
Here are a few indications that you need a hearing test:
- Phone conversations are getting more difficult to hear.
- You’re having a tough time hearing sounds in higher frequencies like consonants.
- Your ears sound muffled as if you had water in them.
- Rapid hearing loss in one ear.
- You’re having a hard time hearing conversations when you’re in a loud setting.
- Turning your tv or car stereo up to excessively high volumes.
- Asking people to slow down or repeat themselves during a conversation.
It’s a strong hint that it’s time to get a hearing test when the above warning signs begin to add up. 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 test for several reasons.
It might have slipped her mind.
Maybe she’s deliberately avoiding thinking about it. But there are tangible benefits to having your hearing tested per guidelines.
Even if you believe your hearing is completely healthy, a hearing exam will help set a baseline reading, which makes deviations in the future easier to identify. If you can detect your hearing loss before it becomes obvious, you can better protect it.
The reason for regular hearing tests is that someone like Harper will be able to identify problems before her hearing is permanently damaged. Your ears will remain healthy longer by getting these regular screenings. Consider the effects of hearing loss on your overall health, it’s that important.
