Most people visit their primary care physician once a year for a physical and general check up, and get their teeth cleaned a couple of times a year with a full routine dental exam at least once a year. If you wear glasses, you probably get your vision tested at least once every two years to see if you need adjustments to your prescription. But how often do you get your hearing tested?
When Should You Have Your Hearing Tested?
While hearing tests are regularly given to newborns and throughout childhood, once people reach adulthood, a hearing test is not usually part of an annual physical or checkup. It is recommended for all adults to have their hearing tested regularly because an early diagnosis of hearing loss can lead to more effective treatments.
As with any health issue, not everyone is the same. You should discuss concerns about your hearing with your doctor and decide on a lifetime hearing health care plan. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, healthy adults ages 18-40 who do not notice any hearing loss should have their hearing tested by a hearing care professional approximately every three to five years. Those who should have their hearing tested more often include the following:
- People who are exposed to loud noises: Noise-induced hearing loss affects people of all ages. Loud concerts, gunfire and explosions in combat, and noisy work environments can all cause damage to one’s hearing, suddenly or over time. No matter what your age is, if you are exposed to loud noises regularly, you should have your hearing tested at least once a year. Make sure to discuss custom-made hearing protection with your hearing care specialist.
- People with hearing loss: If you suffer from hearing loss problems, especially if it is a sudden loss, you should have your hearing tested as soon as possible as you hearing may worsen over time.
- People over the age of 60: Everyone knows that age-related hearing loss is very common. So once you reach the age of 60, it is recommended that you should get a hearing test at least once every year.
- People that have already been fitted with hearing aids: Just because you wear hearing aids doesn’t mean you no longer have to worry about your hearing anymore. Your hearing can change and continue to deteriorate. Which is why your hearing should be evaluated every year so that your hearing aids can be adjusted or upgraded if necessary.
Don’t Wait! Get Your Hearing Tested Today!
As you now should understand, hearing loss is common among all age groups. Considering that hearing loss is hard to detect, worsens over time, and is best treated early, we highly recommend that you get your hearing tested regularly. What’s the worst that can happen? You find out you have normal hearing?
At Kenwood Hearing Center, we offer a variety of hearing care services, including hearing tests. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing evaluation, feel free to contact us at Kenwood Hearing today. Our friendly staff of hearing care professionals is committed to helping you address all your hearing concerns.