When Was the Last Time You Had Your Hearing Tested?

It’s hard to believe but most individuals have gone over ten years without getting a hearing test.
One of those individuals is Harper. She schedules a checkup and cleaning with her dentist every six months and she shows up dutifully for her annual medical examination. She even gets her timing belt replaced every 6000 miles! But her hearing test usually gets ignored.

Hearing assessments are essential for a multitude of reasons, early detection of hearing loss being one of the more important. Knowing how frequently she should get a hearing test will help Harper keep her ears (and hearing) as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

So you should have your hearing examined how often?

It’s alarming to think that Harper hasn’t had a hearing test in 10 years. Or we might think it’s perfectly normal. Her age will largely determine our reaction. That’s because we have different recommendations based on age.

• If you are over fifty years old: The general suggestion is that anyone over the age of fifty should make an appointment for annual hearing evaluations. Hearing loss is more likely to have an affect on your life as you get older because the noise damage that has built-up over a lifetime will accelerate that impairment. Also, as we age we’re more likely to be dealing with other health problems that can have an impact on hearing.
• For people under 50: Once every 3 to 10 years is recommended for hearing assessments. Obviously, it’s ok to get a hearing test more often. But once every ten years is the bare minimum. And you should be cautious and get tested 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?

Signs you should have your hearing tested

Naturally, your annual (or semi-annual) hearing assessment isn’t the only good time to make an appointment with us. Perhaps you begin to experience some signs of hearing loss. And when they do you need to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment.

Some of the signs that should motivate you to get a hearing exam include:

• You’re having a tough time hearing sounds in higher frequencies such as consonants.
• Having a really difficult time hearing people when talking on the phone, mobile or otherwise.
• The volume on your stereo or television is getting louder and louder.
• You abruptly can’t hear out of one ear.
• Trouble hearing conversations in loud environments.
• Your ears sound muffled like you had water in them.
• Asking people to talk slower or repeat themselves during a conversation.

When the above warning signs begin to add up, it’s a good indication that the perfect time to get a hearing exam is right now. The sooner you get your hearing checked, the sooner you’ll know what’s going on with your ears.

What are the advantages of hearing testing?

There are lots of reasons why Harper might be late in having her hearing test.
Perhaps she hasn’t thought about it.
Maybe she’s deliberately avoiding thinking about it. But there are tangible advantages to getting your hearing examined per guidelines.

Even if you believe your hearing is completely healthy, a hearing exam will help set a baseline reading, which makes deviations in the future easier to identify. You’ll be in a better position to protect your hearing if you detect any early hearing loss before it becomes obvious.

Detecting hearing problems before they produce permanent hearing loss is the precise reason somebody 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.