Believe it or not, it’s been more than 10 years since most individuals have had a hearing exam.
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 test. She even changes her timing belt every 6000 miles. But her hearing exam typically gets neglected.
There are lots of reasons to get hearing assessments, early detection of hearing loss being one of the most important. Knowing how frequently she should get their hearing tested will help Harper keep her ears (and hearing) healthy for as long as possible.
So, just how frequently should you have a hearing test?
If the last time Harper had a hearing assessment was over a decade ago, that’s disconcerting. Or we might think it’s perfectly normal. Our reaction will differ depending on her age. That’s because we have different suggestions based on age.
- For individuals over 50: Once a year is the suggested routine for hearing tests in individuals over fifty. Hearing loss is more likely to have an affect on your life as you get older because the noise damage that has built-up over a lifetime will accelerate that impairment. Moreover, as we age we’re more likely to have other health conditions that can have an impact on hearing.
- If you are under fifty years old: Once every 3 to 10 years is suggested for hearing assessments. Obviously, it’s fine to get a hearing assessment more often. But the bare minimum is once every ten years. If you’ve been exposing yourself to loud concert noise or work in a field with high decibel levels, you should err on the side of caution and get tested more often. It’s quick, simple, and painless so why not come in?
Signs you should have your hearing checked
Obviously, there are other times, besides the yearly exam, that you may want to come in for a consultation. Maybe you begin to experience some symptoms of hearing loss. And in those situations, it’s important to contact us and schedule a hearing assessment.
Here are a few clues that you need a hearing test:
- You’re having a hard time hearing conversations when you’re in a loud setting.
- The volume on your stereo or television is getting louder and louder.
- You abruptly can’t hear out of one ear.
- Your ears sound muffled like you had water in them.
- Phone conversations are getting harder to hear.
- Having a tough 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.)
- You need people to talk louder or repeat themselves.
It’s a solid hint that it’s time to get a hearing exam when the above warning signs start to accumulate. You’ll know what’s happening with your ears as soon as you come in for a test.
How will a hearing test be beneficial?
Harper may be late getting her hearing checked for several reasons.
It might have slipped her mind.
Maybe she’s purposely avoiding thinking about it. But there are tangible benefits to having your hearing examined per recommendations.
We can set up a baseline for your hearing, which will help identify any future deviations, even if it’s presently healthy. If you can catch your hearing loss before it becomes noticeable, you can better protect it.
Detecting hearing issues before they create permanent hearing loss is the exact reason someone like Harper should get tested regularly. Your ears will remain healthy longer by having these regular screenings. Consider the effects of hearing loss on your general health, it’s that important.