It’s difficult to comprehend but most people have gone over ten years without getting a hearing test.
Harper is one of them. She goes to see her doctor for her annual medical test and has her teeth cleaned every six months. She even gets her timing belt changed every 6000 miles! But she always forgets to schedule her hearing test.
There are many reasons to get hearing exams, early detection of hearing loss being one of the more essential. Harper’s ears and hearing will stay as healthy as possible if she determines how frequently to get her hearing checked.
So, just how frequently should you have a hearing test?
It’s disconcerting to think that Harper hasn’t taken a hearing exam in 10 years. Or we may think it’s perfectly normal. Our reaction will differ depending on her age. That’s because we have different guidelines based on age.
- For individuals over 50: Once annually is the recommended schedule for hearing exams in individuals over 50 years old. Hearing loss is more likely to have an impact on your life as you get older because the noise damage that has accumulated over a lifetime will accelerate that impairment. Plus, there could be other health problems that can affect your hearing.
- If you are less than fifty years old: It’s usually recommended that you get a hearing exam about once every three to ten years. There’s no harm in getting your ears tested more frequently, of course! But once every ten years is the bare minimum. If you’ve been subjecting yourself to loud concert noise or work in a field with high volume levels, you should err on the side of caution and get tested more often. It’s fast, simple, and painless so why wouldn’t you?
Signs you need to get your hearing checked
Undoubtedly, there are other occasions, besides the annual exam, that you might want to come in for a consultation. Perhaps you start to experience some signs of hearing loss. And in those instances, it’s important to contact us and schedule a hearing exam.
Some of the signs that should prompt you to have a hearing test include:
- You’re having a tough time hearing conversations when you’re in a noisy setting.
- Having a very difficult time understanding people when talking on the phone, mobile or otherwise.
- Your ears seem muffled like you had water in them.
- Having a hard 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 takes hold.)
- Rapid hearing loss in one ear.
- Asking people to slow down or repeat themselves during a conversation.
- The volume on your stereo or television is getting louder and louder.
It’s a solid hint that it’s time to get a hearing test when the above warning signs start to add up. The sooner you get your hearing checked, the sooner you’ll know what’s going on with your ears.
How will a hearing test help?
Harper could be late having her hearing test for several reasons.
Perhaps she hasn’t thought about it.
Maybe she’s deliberately avoiding thinking about it. But there are concrete advantages to getting your hearing tested per guidelines.
We can establish a baseline for your hearing, which will help determine any future deviations, even if it’s currently healthy. You’ll be in a better position to protect your hearing if you detect any early hearing loss before it becomes noticeable.
Detecting hearing problems before they create permanent hearing loss is the precise reason someone like Harper should get tested regularly. Recognizing your hearing loss early by having your hearing tested when you should will help you keep your hearing healthier, longer. Consider the impact of hearing loss on your general health, it’s that important.