Believe it or not, it’s been more than 10 years since most individuals have had a hearing assessment.
Harper is one of them. She schedules a cleaning and checkup with her dentist every six months and she shows up dutifully for her annual medical examination. She even gets her timing belt replaced every 6000 miles! But she always forgets to schedule her hearing exam.
There are a number of reasons to get hearing tests, early detection of hearing loss being one of the most essential. Harper’s ears and hearing will stay as healthy as possible if she knows how frequently to get her hearing checked.
So, just how often should you get a hearing test?
It’s alarming to think that Harper hasn’t taken a hearing test in 10 years. Or perhaps it isn’t. Our reaction will vary depending on how old she is. Depending on age, guidelines will differ.
- For individuals over 50: The general recommendation is that anyone above fifty years old should schedule annual hearing exams Hearing loss is more likely to have an impact on your life as you get older because the noise damage that has built-up over a lifetime will accelerate that impairment. Also, as we age we’re more likely to have other health problems that can have an affect on hearing.
- For individuals under 50: It’s usually recommended that you have a hearing exam about once every three to ten years. Naturally, it’s ok to get a hearing assessment more frequently. But the bare minimum is once every ten years. 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. It’s quick, simple, and painless so why not come in?
You need to get your hearing tested if you notice any of these signs.
Obviously, there are other occasions, besides the annual exam, that you may want to come in for a consultation. Perhaps you start to experience some signs of hearing loss. And in those cases, it’s important to contact us and schedule a hearing assessment.
Here are a few clues that you need a hearing exam:
- The volume on your stereo or TV is getting louder and louder.
- You’re having a hard time hearing sounds in higher frequencies like consonants.
- You abruptly can’t hear out of one ear.
- You need people to talk louder or repeat themselves.
- Trouble hearing conversations in noisy environments.
- Your ears sound muffled as if you had water in them.
- Phone conversations are becoming harder to hear.
When the previously mentioned warning signs start to add up, it’s a good indication that the perfect time to get a hearing test is right now. You’ll know what’s happening with your ears as soon as you come in for a test.
What are the advantages of hearing testing?
There are lots of reasons why Harper may be late in getting her hearing test.
Maybe she hasn’t thought about it.
It’s possible that she just doesn’t want to deal with it. But getting the suggested hearing tests has tangible benefits.
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 safeguard it.
Detecting hearing issues before they cause permanent hearing loss is the precise reason someone like Harper should get tested regularly. Your ears will stay healthy longer by getting these regular screenings. Consider the impact of hearing loss on your overall health, it’s that important.