Regular doctor’s appointments are a part of life. Most people know that they need to see their dentist or primary care provider twice a year, but fewer people consider how often they should schedule a hearing test.
The Importance of Hearing Tests
Hearing loss affects nearly 20% of the global population.[1] Despite how common the condition is, many people don’t even realize they have it. Regular hearing tests will help us track your hearing over time and identify even the smallest changes before they become big problems.
Identifying hearing loss early paves the way for early treatment and helps limit the condition’s impact on your life. If the cause of your hearing damage is preventable, like noise exposure, we can give you tips to protect your hearing and prevent further loss.
How Often to Schedule a Hearing Test
In general, adults under 50 with no excessive noise exposure or family history of hearing loss should have their hearing tested every 3 to 5 years. This is often enough to establish a baseline for your hearing health and track minute changes over time.
Adults who are at a higher risk of hearing loss should have one once a year. This category includes adults over the age of 50—hearing loss incidence rises sharply with every decade of life past the age of 502—and people who work in noisy environments, such as the construction industry or at concert venues.
And of course, if you notice signs of hearing damage, you should schedule a hearing test regardless of the date of your last exam. A few common signs include:
- Ringing in the ears
- Muffled speech
- Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched noises like birds singing in Ballast Point Park
- Turning the TV or radio up higher than is comfortable for others
- Skipping social events
- Feeling excessively tired after social events
Let’s take a look at what a hearing test involves to help you prepare for your next appointment.
Hearing Test Details
A pure tone hearing test measures how well you hear at different volumes and frequencies. You’ll sit in a quiet room and listen to a series of different tones through headphones. Every time you hear a tone, you’ll press a button. Your hearing specialist will chart the results on an audiogram to determine if you have hearing loss.
During your appointment, we may also perform a tympanometry to check the movement of your eardrum and an ear exam to look for physical blockages or other issues.
For more information on hearing care or to schedule your next hearing test, contact Kampsen Hearing today.
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Sources
[1] World Health Organization. (n.d.). Hearing loss. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/health-topics/hearing-loss#tab=tab_1
2 Johnson C. E. (2018). The Early Intervention of Hearing Loss in Adults. Seminars in hearing, 39(2), 115–122. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1642616