Believe it or not, it’s been more than 10 years since most individuals have had a hearing test.
One of those individuals is Harper. She schedules a cleaning and checkup with her dentist every six months and she reports dutifully for her annual medical examination. She even knows to get her timing belt replaced every 6000 miles! But her hearing test normally gets neglected.
Hearing tests are important for a multitude of reasons, the most prominent of which is that it’s normally difficult for you to discover the earliest indications of hearing loss without one. Determining how frequently she should get their hearing tested will help Harper keep her ears (and hearing) as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
So, just how frequently should you get a hearing assessment?
If the last time Harper took a hearing exam was over ten years ago, that’s disconcerting. Or maybe it isn’t. Our reaction will vary depending on her age. That’s because we have different guidelines based on age.
- If you are over fifty years old: The general suggestion is that anyone above the age of fifty should schedule annual hearing exams As you age, the noise damage you’ve sustained over a lifetime can begin to accelerate, which means hearing loss is more likely to start impacting your life. Also, as we age we’re more likely to have other health issues that can have an affect on hearing.
- For people under 50: It’s usually recommended that you undergo a hearing test about once every three to ten years. There’s no harm in getting your ears checked more frequently, of course! But once every decade is the bare minimum. If you’ve been exposing yourself to loud concert noise or work in an industry with high volume levels, you should err on the side of caution and get tested more frequently. After all, it’s painless, simple, and there’s really no good reason not to do it.
You need to have your hearing tested if you experience any of these signs.
Of course, 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 surface. And in those cases, it’s important to contact us and schedule a hearing exam.
Here are a few indications that you need a hearing test:
- Having a difficult time hearing consonants (in general, consonants are spoken in a higher wavelength than vowels, and it’s those high-frequency sounds that are often the first to go as hearing loss sets in.)
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear.
- Sounds get muffled; it starts to sound as if you always have water inside of your ears.
- You’re having a tough time making out conversations when you’re in a loud setting.
- You need people to talk louder or repeat themselves.
- Having a really tough time hearing people when talking on the phone, mobile or otherwise.
- The volume on your stereo or TV is getting louder and louder.
It’s a solid hint that it’s time to get a hearing exam when the above warning signs begin to add up. You’ll know what’s happening with your ears as soon as you come in for an evaluation.
How will a hearing test help?
Harper could be late getting her hearing test for several reasons.
Perhaps she hasn’t thought about it.
It’s possible that she just doesn’t want to deal with it. But getting the recommended hearing tests has tangible benefits.
We can establish a baseline for your hearing, which will help identify any future deviations, even if it’s currently healthy. If you can catch your hearing loss before it becomes noticeable, you can better safeguard it.
Detecting hearing issues before they create permanent hearing loss is the exact reason somebody like Harper should get tested regularly. Catching your hearing loss early by getting your hearing checked when you should will help you keep your hearing healthier, longer. If you let your hearing go, it can have an affect on your general health.
