Surprisingly, it’s been more than 10 years since most individuals have had a hearing assessment.
One of those people is Harper. She schedules a checkup and cleaning with her dentist every six months and she reports dutifully for her annual medical exam. She even changes her timing belt every 6000 miles. But she always forgets to schedule her hearing test.
Hearing assessments are important for a multitude of reasons, early detection of hearing loss being one of the more important. 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 get a hearing test?
If the last time Harper got a hearing exam was over ten years ago, that’s disconcerting. Or maybe it isn’t. Her age will greatly determine our reaction. Depending on age, recommendations will differ.
- If you are over fifty years of age: The general recommendation is that anybody above fifty years old should schedule yearly hearing evaluations. 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. Also, as we age we’re more likely to have other health conditions that can have an impact on hearing.
- If you are under fifty years old: Once every 3 to 10 years is recommended for hearing tests. Naturally, it’s ok to get a hearing exam more frequently. But once every ten years is the bare minimum. And you should be cautious and get tested more often if you work in an occupation that tends to be loud or if you go to a lot of concerts. After all, it’s painless, simple, and there’s really no good reason not to do it.
Signs you should have your hearing checked
Undoubtedly, there are other times, besides the annual exam, that you may want to come in for a consultation. Maybe you start to experience some symptoms of hearing loss. And in those cases, it’s important to contact us and schedule a hearing exam.
Here are a few clues that you need a hearing exam:
- The volume on your stereo or television is getting louder and louder.
- You suddenly can’t hear out of one ear.
- You need people to speak louder or repeat what they said.
- Having a very difficult time hearing people when talking on the phone, mobile or otherwise.
- Difficulty hearing conversations in loud environments.
- 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 sets in.)
- Sounds become muffled; it starts to sound as though you always have water inside of your ears.
It’s a solid hint that it’s time to get a hearing test when the above warning signs begin to add up. You’ll know what’s happening with your ears as soon as you come in for a test.
How will a hearing test be beneficial?
Harper may be late having her hearing test for several reasons.
It may have slipped her mind.
Maybe she’s purposely avoiding thinking about it. But getting the recommended hearing tests has tangible benefits.
Even if you think your hearing is completely healthy, a hearing exam will help set a baseline reading, which makes deviations in the future easier to detect. If you can catch your hearing loss before it becomes noticeable, you can better protect it.
Detecting hearing issues before they create permanent hearing loss is the exact reason somebody like Harper should get tested regularly. Your ears will remain healthy longer by getting these regular screenings. If you let your hearing go, it can have an affect on your general health.