Surprisingly, it’s been over 10 years since most people have had a hearing test.
One of those individuals is Harper. She reports to her doctor for her annual medical exam and has her teeth cleaned every six months. She even replaces her timing belt every 6000 miles. But she never remembers to schedule her hearing exam.
There are many reasons to get hearing assessments, early detection of hearing loss being one of the most significant. Knowing how frequently she should get their hearing tested will help Harper keep her ears (and hearing) healthy for as long as possible.
So you should get your hearing tested how often?
If the last time Harper had a hearing test was over ten years ago, that’s alarming. Or maybe it isn’t. Our reaction will differ depending on how old she is. That’s because we have different suggestions based on age.
- If you are over fifty years old: Once annually is the recommended schedule for hearing assessments in individuals over fifty. As you get older, the noise damage you’ve incurred over a lifetime can begin to accelerate, which means hearing loss is more likely to start impacting your life. Plus, there might be other health issues that can impact your hearing.
- If you are under fifty years old: It’s generally recommended that you undergo a hearing test 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 decade. And you should be cautious and get checked more frequently if you work in an occupation 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?
Signs you should get your hearing tested
Needless to say, your annual (or semi-annual) hearing assessment isn’t the only good time to make an appointment with us. Symptoms of hearing loss may start to appear. And in those situations, it’s important to get in touch with us and schedule a hearing exam.
Some of the clues that should prompt you to get a hearing test include:
- You need people to speak louder or repeat what they said.
- Having a very difficult time understanding people when talking on the phone, mobile or otherwise.
- The volume on your stereo or television is getting louder and louder.
- 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.)
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear.
- Your ears seem muffled like you had water in them.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments.
When the previously mentioned warning signs begin to add up, it’s a good indication that the perfect time to get a hearing exam is right now. You’ll know what’s happening with your ears as soon as you come in for an evaluation.
What are the advantages of hearing testing?
Harper could be late getting her hearing test for several reasons.
It might have slipped her mind.
Maybe she’s intentionally avoiding thinking about it. But getting the recommended 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 catch your hearing loss before it becomes obvious, you can better safeguard it.
The reason for regular hearing tests is that someone like Harper will be able to detect issues before her hearing is permanently damaged. Recognizing your hearing loss early by getting your hearing tested when you should will help you keep your ears healthier, longer. If you allow your hearing to go, it can have an affect on your general health.