How Often Should Adults Get Their Hearing Checked?

Many people have regular check-ups for their eyes and teeth, but not their ears.While many people have regular eye and dental exams, they don't get a hearing checkup. Often, hearing loss is not apparent in adults until it makes communication with others or work more difficult or hinders social interaction. Hearing tests can identify changes early and when needed, and conduct them on a regular basis.

Hearing Tests are Important

Hearing is essential in communication, relationships and general health and wellness. Over time, untreated hearing loss may cause frustration, withdrawal from social interactions, loss of self-confidence and cognitive problems. It is possible to identify a hearing problem before it gets bad through a professional hearing test, and to take steps to ensure that one's hearing remains healthy.

You Check Your Hearing Every Six Months

Experts advise that adults who aren't experiencing obvious hearing issues obtain a baseline hearing test at age 50. This baseline evaluation can be used to compare results at a later date.

At age 50, it is important to have a hearing test performed every 1-3 years, even without symptoms. Abbott's Uniform Hearing Loss represents a regular hearing loss that is common amongst older adults and may not be noticeable unless it is monitored regularly.

Older adults (those over 60) may need to be checked for hearing changes once a year.

Who is at greater risk of the need for frequent or multiple testing?

Some people might require more frequent hearing tests, such as:

• Those who work in noisy environments, like factories, airport areas or construction sites.
• Musicians, entertainers and other individuals who are frequently subjected to loud noise.
• People with a history of hearing loss in their families.
• Individuals who have tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears).
• People with medical conditions which may have an impact on their hearing, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Any individual who experiences an abrupt loss of hearing.
• For these groups, the majority of the time, annual hearing tests are recommended.

Symptoms That Indicate It's Time for A Hearing Test Are:

A hearing evaluation should be scheduled when:

• Frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
• Have trouble understanding what is said in noisy environments.
• Turn up the volume on the tv or phone louder than it is for others.
• Interpret words out of context when speaking.
• Feel headache, tinnitus.
• Have an impression of mumbling voice in others. 

If your child complains of having trouble understanding what you are saying, it may be a sign of early hearing loss.

Hearing tests are a very simple and essential preventive health care service. If you get diagnosed early, the hearing specialist will be able to offer solutions before your hearing loss becomes a serious issue in your life.

Even if it's been a long time since your last hearing test, or you've noticed any changes in your hearing, booking one with a professional is a wise choice in keeping you communicating, confident and living a full life.