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You’re not alone if you’re unsure how to maintain your hearing health. “How often should I have a hearing test?” is a common question we get. Most Americans have annual physical exams with their doctors or have their vision examined every year or two. However, no one seems to know how often they should have their hearing tested. Here’s our answer to the question of how often you should have a hearing test.
Why Should You Get a Hearing Test?
Are you unsure why you should have your hearing tested regularly? It turns out you’re not the first person to notice you’ve lost your hearing. Hearing loss is usually gradual, and changes in your hearing health on a day-to-day basis are often impossible to detect. You make unconscious changes to your life to help you hear better, such as moving in closer or cranking up the TV volume. You might not even be aware that you’ve been losing out on some of the sounds around you.
Your family will most likely be the first to recognize that you are deaf. Take it seriously if they point out that you don’t always hear the stove beeping or that you can’t hear them when they call you from another room. Your loved ones will be the ones to alert you to the fact that you have a hearing loss.
How Frequently Should You Have Your Hearing Tested?
When answering this question, there are a few things to consider. Your age can help you figure out how often you should undergo a hearing test.
- Children: Hearing tests are performed on most children when they are born and when they begin school. Regular hearing tests are also typical throughout childhood and youth.
- Adults between 18 and 40: Younger adults who haven’t noticed any abrupt changes in their hearing should have a hearing test every 3 to 5 years. This will allow you to keep track of your hearing health and provide you with a baseline audiogram so you can see what noises are within your typical hearing range.
- Adults between the ages of 41 and 60: Adults in their 40s and 50s should be more concerned about their hearing health. During these years, you may notice changes in your hearing ability due to age-related hearing loss. A hearing exam is advised every two or three years.
- Adults above the age of 60: Even if you think your hearing is OK, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested every 1 to 2 years if you’re over 60. One-third of adults over 65 and half of adults over 75 have age-related hearing loss. Many senior citizens have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds such as birds chirping outside. They’ll also find it more difficult to follow discussions, especially in noisy environments.
Other Reasons to Have A Hearing Exam
You should have an annual hearing test regardless of your age if:
You work in a noisy industry or enjoy loud activities. Noise-induced hearing loss is highly prevalent, and it can strike anyone at any age. If you’re a musician, a police officer, or a construction worker, you should have your hearing checked at least once a year. If you enjoy going to concerts, shooting, or riding motorbikes, you should have your hearing tested at least once a year.
You’ve already been diagnosed with hearing loss. It’s critical to keep track of your hearing health if you have hearing loss. If your hearing abilities change, you must be informed as soon as possible. As your hearing deteriorates, you’ll be able to alter your hearing aids to help you hear better.
You’ve developed a sudden loss of hearing. Have you ever had a sudden loss of hearing? This could be a symptom of a hearing-related sickness or injury or the result of noise exposure. Get a hearing test as soon as possible to determine the cause of your hearing loss and to receive the appropriate treatment.
Make an appointment for a hearing test
Are you ready to make an appointment for your next hearing test? We are here to assist you in learning more about your hearing loss and recommending the best treatment options for your specific needs. Get in touch with us today!