About 15% of adults in the US have issues with their hearing.
Many adults don’t seem to think about getting their hearing tested until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, that’s often when it’s too late to do much about it.
Why should you be concerned about getting a hearing loss test? The truth is that without your hearing, your life would be much different; taking care of it now will lead to fewer problems in the future.
Read more about why you should get your hearing tested and how often it should be done below.
Why Should You Get Your Hearing Tested?
While it may seem like a silly thing to consider if you haven’t noticed your hearing getting worse, it may be more helpful to think of it as a screening. Hearing tests are not just for those that already have a problem; they are for everyone to make sure that any abnormalities don’t become problems later.
Some of the main reasons that you will want to get a hearing test include:
- Prevent future damage
- Identify problems
- Track changes in hearing
- Diagnose medical concerns
- Begin treatment
Getting a hearing test is going to ensure that you’re taking care of any issues that may be happening before they get worse.
What Are Some Symptoms of Hearing Loss?
Aside from the regular screening, you should also get a hearing loss test if you have symptoms of hearing loss. You shouldn’t wait for your regular checkup but instead should schedule an appointment right away.
If you’re finding that you are asking others to repeat themselves, can’t hear high pitches, work in a loud environment, or experience a ringing in your ears, then it’s time to call for an appointment. All of these are potential factors that may lead to hearing loss.
You also may notice that you’re avoiding doing things, like using the telephone or listening to music, because you struggle to hear or understand the words. These are also signs that mean you may need to speak with a hearing specialist right away.
Where to Get Your Hearing Tested
There are hearing test clinics that you can check out if you want to get your hearing tested from a location that specializes in that practice alone. You also can speak with your general doctor during your annual physical exam to get a referral to a specialist or to have the hearing exam done at the same time, depending on your doctor.
If you’re unable to travel to a clinic or you are looking for other options of where to test hearing, you can also do an online hearing test at home. While these may not be quite as accurate, they can still give you a general idea of where your hearing falls on the scale.
How Often to Test Your Hearing
Children should have their hearing tested between the ages of four and ten years old.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that healthy adults between the ages of 18-40 get their hearing tested every few years. Specifically, if there are no noticeable hearing loss symptoms, you should aim to get your hearing tested every three to five years as an adult.
Regardless of your age, if you’re experiencing a problem with your hearing, it’s important that you talk with your doctor right away.
Take a Hearing Loss Test to Find Out More
It’s important to get regular testing done to protect your hearing. Without regularly getting your hearing tested, you risk losing your hearing at an earlier age and even dealing with increased medical concerns.
Take care of your future by getting regular screenings today!
If you found this information helpful, be sure to check out the rest of our website for even more tips.
