We are all aware that there are regular screening tests that we should attend: eye exams are recommended every two years, for example, while other types of hearing testing have shorter or longer recommended intervals between appointments.
Hearing exams, on the other hand, are not typically included in this routine health maintenance regimen for the majority of people. While people become more conscious of the importance of comprehensive hearing examinations as they grow older, confirming that one’s hearing is in good working order is often regarded as being unimportant to one’s daily activities, but when hearing loss happens so gradually and can have such a big impact on your life, it is vital that you have it checked regularly. Here, we look at how often you should be getting your hearing tested.
Are You at A Higher Risk of Hearing Loss?
There are certain groups of people who are more at risk of developing hearing loss than others, including the following individuals:
- People over the age of 60 are at a significantly increased risk of developing hearing loss, and the risk is considerably higher for those over the age of 75.
- Individuals who take ototoxic medication
- Those that work in noisy environments, such as building sites, restaurants or concert halls, are at greater risk of developing hearing loss than the general public.
- People who have experienced injuries or illnesses that have had an influence on their hearing function.
- People who experience recognized ear-related illnesses, such as tinnitus
If you fall into one of the at-risk categories listed above, you should visit an audiologist for a hearing test at least once a year.
Should You Have Your Hearing Checked If You Are Not a Part of a High-Risk Category
It is important to distinguish between the two at this point. Examining your hearing capacity can be done in two different methods. The first is a traditional hearing test, which is normally performed by an audiologist. The second is a non-conventional hearing exam. It is necessary to conduct hearing tests in order to discover hearing loss as well as to determine the type of hearing loss that an individual may be experiencing.
Another type of test is not really a full test at all; rather, it is more of a screening test that is typically performed during a routine medical physical examination. If the screening reveals any problems, the individual will most likely be recommended for a more in-depth hearing test to be performed.
People who are not in an at-risk group should get their hearing checked at least once every two years. If the screening reveals that you have a hearing impairment, you should schedule a second hearing test.
Hearing exams can be extremely beneficial even in the absence of any signs of hearing loss. They can establish a baseline, which makes it easier to detect an issue down the road if one does arise. Make an appointment with your audiologist now to have your hearing tested.
