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 checkup and cleaning with her dentist every six months and she reports dutifully for her annual medical test. She even changes her timing belt every 6000 miles. But her hearing exam normally gets neglected.
Hearing tests are important for a wide variety of reasons, the most prominent of which is that it’s normally challenging for you to detect the earliest indications of hearing loss without one. Harper’s ears and hearing will stay as healthy as possible if she knows how often to get her hearing tested.
So, just how often should you have a hearing test?
If the last time Harper took a hearing test was over a decade ago, that’s disconcerting. Or maybe it isn’t. How old she is will greatly determine our reaction. That’s because we have different suggestions based on age.
- If you are over fifty years of age: The general recommendation is that anyone above the age of fifty should make an appointment for yearly hearing exams As you age, the noise damage you’ve incurred over a lifetime can begin to speed up, which means hearing loss is more likely to start affecting your life. Plus, there may be other health problems that can impact your hearing.
- For people under 50: It’s generally recommended that you have a hearing test once every three to ten years or so. There’s no harm in having your ears checked more frequently, of course! But once every ten years is the bare minimum. 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 wouldn’t you?
You should get your hearing tested if you notice any of these signs.
Of course, your annual (or semi-annual) hearing assessment isn’t the only good time to make an appointment with us. Symptoms of hearing loss might begin to appear. And when they do you should schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment.
Here are some indications that you need a hearing test:
- You need people to talk louder or repeat what they said.
- Turning your television or car stereo up to extremely high volumes.
- You’re having a tough time hearing sounds in higher frequencies such as consonants.
- Trouble hearing conversations in loud environments.
- You suddenly can’t hear out of one ear.
- Having a very difficult time understanding people when talking on the phone, mobile or otherwise.
- Your ears sound muffled as if you had water in them.
It’s a strong hint that it’s time to get a hearing test when the above warning signs start to accumulate. You’ll know what’s happening with your ears as soon as you come in for a test.
How will a hearing test help?
Harper could be late having her hearing test for several reasons.
Maybe she hasn’t thought about it.
Maybe she’s purposely avoiding thinking about it. But getting the suggested hearing tests has tangible benefits.
We can establish a baseline for your hearing, which will help determine any future deviations, even if it’s presently healthy. You’ll be in a better position to protect your hearing if you detect any early hearing loss before it becomes obvious.
The reason for regular hearing tests is that somebody like Harper will be able to identify problems before her hearing is permanently damaged. Catching your hearing loss early by getting your hearing tested when you should will help you keep your ears healthier, longer. Consider the impact of hearing loss on your overall health, it’s that important.
