How Often Should You Go For A Hearing Test?

We are all accustomed to regular health check-ups. From our doctors to our dentists, we book those all-important appointments to make sure that everything is as it should be. However, our ears often get overlooked, as if we can still hear quite well, then many of us see little need to get a hearing test. After all, why add yet another appointment to our busy schedules?

But here's the thing. As with most other things pertaining to our health, the earliest we get tested, the better, as early intervention could save our hearing. So, if you haven't been for a hearing test in several years, then there is no harm in you booking an appointment to make sure everything is okay.

Guidelines set by The American Speech Language Hearing Association suggest that those aged between the ages of 18-40 should have their hearing tested every three to four years, even when they aren't experiencing noticeable signs of hearing loss. After this age, and due to the fact that hearing can deteriorate with age, it is recommended by some audiologists that you get your hearing checked more often. 

In some cases, an annual hearing test is advisable. If you fall into any of the following categories, then you should make those regular appointments. 

You are over the age of 60

Age-related hearing loss is common, and this is because changes in the ear can limit our ability to hear high frequencies. Statistically, one out of every three individuals have experienced some degree of hearing loss by the age of 65, and this increases to one of two people by the age of 75. 

You are regularly exposed to loud noises

Now, common sense will tell you to avoid noisy situations where possible. It would be inadvisable for you to play your music too loud, and if you had the option of avoiding a road with noisy roadworks, then you should take a different direction. However, if you are regularly exposed to loud noise through no major fault of your own, then you should get an annual hearing test. So, if you work in a noisy environment, perhaps with loud machinery, then as well as wearing hearing protection, you should still see an audiologist annually. You should also schedule in those yearly appointments if your lifestyle includes loud activities, such as motorcycle riding or attending music concerts. 

You already have hearing loss

If you have already been diagnosed with hearing loss and are currently wearing hearing aids, you shouldn't assume that you have less need for a hearing test. Your hearing still continues to change over time, and it might be that your hearing aid needs to be adjusted yearly to ensure you receive the maximum benefits of your device. 

Of course, if you are already experiencing the signs of hearing loss, then you should make an appointment with an audiologist at your earliest opportunity. As we said at the beginning, early intervention could make all the difference to your hearing health, so it is in your best interest to book an appointment with a specialist. 

Signs of hearing loss include:

• The inability to clearly hear what people are saying
• Problems masking out background noise when in conversation with others
• Needing to turn up the television or telephone to hear more clearly
• Trouble listening to people speaking in higher frequencies, such as women and children

In some cases, your hearing loss might only be temporary. So, if you have a buildup of wax, for example, or if you have an ear infection, your hearing should return to normal after treatment by an audiologist. On the other hand, your hearing could be deteriorating; in which case, you would need specialist intervention, such as an implant or a hearing aid to improve your hearing ability. 

Contact us

If you haven't been for a hearing test in a while, or if you have noticed a decrease in your hearing ability, get in touch with us for a hearing evaluation. Here at Audiology Associates, we are committed to maintaining and improving your hearing ability, so call us at 573-332-7000 for a consultation and hearing test. Even if there is nothing inherently wrong with your hearing health, you will still have that peace of mind knowing that everything is okay. But if we do detect any problems, we will be able to suggest a treatment plan to care for and maintain your hearing ability.