Believe it or not, it’s been over 10 years since most people have had a hearing exam.
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 knows to get her timing belt replaced every 6000 miles! But her hearing test typically gets neglected.
There are lots of reasons to get hearing assessments, early detection of hearing loss being one of the more significant. Harper’s ears and hearing will stay as healthy as possible if she knows how frequently to get her hearing tested.
So you should have your hearing examined how often?
It’s alarming to think that Harper hasn’t taken a hearing test in 10 years. Or we may think it’s perfectly normal. 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 the age of fifty should schedule annual hearing tests 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. Moreover, as we get older we’re more likely to have other health issues that can have an impact on hearing.
- For individuals under 50: It’s generally recommended that you get a hearing test about once every three to ten years. Of course, it’s fine to get a hearing test more frequently. But once every ten years is the bare minimum. And you should play it safe and get tested more frequently if you work in a job that tends to be loud or if you go to a lot of concerts. It’s quick, simple, and painless so why not come in?
Indications you should get your hearing tested
Obviously, there are other times, besides the yearly exam, that you may want to come in for a consultation. Signs of hearing loss might start to surface. And when they do you should schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment.
Here are a few indications that you need a hearing test:
- You’re having a hard time hearing conversations when you’re in a loud setting.
- Rapid hearing loss in one ear.
- You need people to speak louder or repeat themselves.
- Phone conversations are becoming more difficult to hear.
- The volume on your stereo or television is getting louder and louder.
- You’re having a difficult time hearing sounds in higher frequencies like consonants.
- Your ears sound muffled like you had water in them.
It’s a strong hint that it’s time to get a hearing exam when the above warning signs begin to add up. The sooner you get your hearing tested, the sooner you’ll know what’s happening with your ears.
How will a hearing test be beneficial?
There are plenty of reasons why Harper may be late in getting her hearing checked.
It might have slipped her mind.
It’s possible that she just doesn’t want to deal with it. But there are tangible advantages to getting your hearing examined per guidelines.
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 detect 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 remain healthy longer by getting these regular screenings. Consider the effects of hearing loss on your general health, it’s that important.
