How Often Should You Get Your Hearing Checked?

How Often Should You Get Your Hearing Checked?How often should you get your hearing checked? Several factors should be considered when deciding on the frequency of a hearing test.

First, you should understand the difference between a hearing test and a screening for hearing loss.

Hearing screenings are often conducted when there are not any symptoms of loss. They could consist of a simple questionnaire or online test. Children often receive screenings for hearing loss at certain ages, typically at birth, as infants and again during their school-age years. Adults who work in jobs with unusually high noise levels may also participate in hearing screenings to monitor them for any job-related hearing loss. Hearing testing is a more in depth approach and is conducted when you or a family member report a problem to a medical professional. This type of test is called a “comprehensive hearing exam” and consists of you sitting in a special booth to have your levels of hearing measured. Results of this test are plotted on what is called an audiogram and are made available to your doctor.

People Who Have Hearing Loss

If you’ve participated in a hearing test and have confirmed hearing loss to some degree, you should have your hearing retested based on suggestions from your hearing care provider. If you notice a change in your hearing, you should always tell your provider right away.

Hearing Aid Checks

The traditional hearing aids of today have a typical life-span of about three to seven years. Just like your ears, they need to be checked occasionally as well. They will need to be adjusted at some point during their use. This may be because your hearing has changed, or because the devices are aging and not working well anymore. If the latter is the case, you might need them to be replaced altogether.

Other types of aids such as bone-anchored hearing systems or cochlear implants might have a different timeline laid out for checks. Make sure you follow the advice of your provider on how often you should get your hearing test completed.

At-Risk Populations

Hearing screenings should be completed at least every three years for the following at-risk populations:

  • People who work in jobs that require frequent and prolonged exposure to extremely noisy conditions (sounds that exceed 85 decibels). This is recommended for everyone in this group, regardless of their age.
  • Most people over the age of 60 years old.

General Population

Even people who have never had problems with their hearing and are considered overall healthy adults should take changes to their hearing seriously.

  • Any time you have a sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears, you should always seek emergency medical help.
  • If you are taking medications or have a health condition, this could impact your hearing.
  • Any degree of hearing loss should be checked out by a trained medical professional.

Your Hearing Is Important For Your Overall Health

Hearing loss, even to the slightest degree, can be harmful to your cognitive abilities. If you are experiencing hearing loss, it can have a negative impact on your overall quality of life and your brain health. Hearing aids can help to rebalance these issues.

Do You Need A Provider?

Finding a hearing care provider can be as simple as asking around to family and friends, and of course your primary care physician. If you’re looking for a provider in the Clearwater, FL area, call Countryside Hearing Aid Services. Remember to check with your insurance to see if your plan offers coverage for hearing tests and hearing aids, and also with your hearing care provider to find out if they take your type of insurance.

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