It’s difficult to believe but most people have gone more than ten years without getting a hearing test.
Harper is one of them. She goes to see her doctor for her yearly medical test and has her teeth cleaned every six months. She even knows to get her timing belt changed every 6000 miles! But she never remembers to schedule her hearing test.
There are a number of reasons to get hearing exams, early detection of hearing loss being one of the most significant. Knowing how often 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 assessment?
It’s disconcerting to think that Harper hasn’t taken a hearing test in 10 years. Or we might think it’s perfectly normal. Our reaction will differ depending on her age. Depending on age, recommendations will vary.
- For people over 50: Once a year is the suggested routine for hearing exams in individuals over 50 years old. As you get older, the noise damage you’ve sustained over a lifetime can begin to accelerate, which means hearing loss is more likely to start affecting your life. Also, as we age we’re more likely to be dealing with other health problems that can have an affect on hearing.
- For people under 50: 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 decade. And you should be cautious and get checked more often if you work in a job that tends to be noisy or if you go to a lot of concerts. It’s quick, easy, and painless so why not come in?
Signs you should have your hearing checked
Naturally, your annual (or semi-annual) hearing assessment isn’t the only good time to make an appointment with us. Symptoms of hearing loss may begin to crop up. And in those instances, it’s important to get in touch with us and schedule a hearing exam.
Here are some indications that you need a hearing exam:
- You’re having a difficult time making out conversations when you’re in a noisy setting.
- You need people to talk louder or repeat what they said.
- You abruptly can’t hear out of one ear.
- Having a very hard time understanding people when talking on the phone, mobile or otherwise.
- You’re having a difficult time hearing sounds in higher frequencies such as consonants.
- Turning your television or car stereo up to extremely high volumes.
- Your ears sound muffled as if you had water in them.
It’s a solid 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 help?
There are plenty of reasons why Harper might be late in having her hearing checked.
Maybe she hasn’t thought about it.
Maybe she’s deliberately avoiding thinking about it. But getting the suggested hearing tests has concrete benefits.
Even if you think your hearing is completely healthy, a hearing test will help set a baseline reading, which makes deviations in the future easier to identify. If you can detect your hearing loss before it becomes obvious, you can better protect it.
The reason for regular hearing tests is that someone like Harper will be able to detect problems before her hearing is permanently diminished. Recognizing your hearing loss early by having your hearing checked when you should will help you keep your ears healthier, longer. Think about the impact of hearing loss on your overall health, it’s that important.