Do I Need a Hearing Test Every Year?
When you notice that you are squinting, you go to your eye doctor for a checkup and get your eyes thoroughly examined to determine whether there is an issue. When you have a flu that takes your sense of smell or taste, you go to your primary care physician to get help for a specific, care-related issue. Why don’t we see the audiologist in the same fashion?
The answer is because most people don’t actually realize that they are dealing with a hearing issue – until many years after the issue has started. They don’t notice that their TV volume has crept higher and higher, and they don’t notice that they need an annual hearing test after a certain age. With that in mind, here are some of the reasons that a hearing test with an expert audiologist is a must.. In light of this, the following are a few justifications for why a hearing test with a qualified audiologist is essential.
The gradual loss of hearing
Today the majority of people with hearing loss are unaware of it for a very long period. Except in cases of severe head injuries or specific hearing-related conditions, hearing loss is not typically apparent right away. The fact that you have a physical every year to monitor your health ought to be sufficient justification for getting an audiologist’s assistance as well. It’s crucial to monitor your hearing health, especially if you experience any of the following:
- You have trouble hearing folks on the phone.
- You need to ask individuals to repeat themselves to you since you have trouble hearing in noisy surroundings.
- You have to work hard to hear others,
- It’s difficult to tell where sounds are coming from, and voices seem muffled.
- You need others to face you when they’re speaking;
- The volume on your devices is gradually increasing;
- You suffer buzzing or ringing in your ears;
- You withdraw from social situations to prevent humiliation.
Hearing loss that is not treated can make you unhappy.
One wouldn’t want to jeopardize their own happiness, would one? Do you require a yearly hearing exam? Yes, if you want to comprehend and properly treat your hearing loss. You should keep in mind that hearing loss can affect people of any age, and you should be aware of what might damage it, whether it’s due to concert noise levels or athletic activities. It’s crucial to take into account the statistics for your age group since even if you’re middle-aged, you could still be affected.
Your whole health might be impacted by untreated hearing loss. It has been connected to a number of conditions, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and dementia. Hearing loss can also be brought on by depression and sleep apnea, which can also induce brain shrinkage, which is something you really don’t need.
Your Earning Power May Drop
Having financial difficulties? Well, untreated hearing loss may reduce your ability to earn more money and may put you under unnecessarily high stress levels at work. You need to make sure that you can hear your coworkers and any safety warnings that will be broadcast if you work in an environment where safety is extremely important. You must make sure that you can work as safely and contentedly as possible, thus you must also make an appointment with an audiologist.
Personal Relationships Can Suffer
When your hearing is poor, you’ll probably cease asking individuals to repeat themselves, retreated inside of yourself, and stopped socializing with friends and family. Set up a consultation with your hearing loss audiologist on your own initiative so that you can be aware of what is occurring and when. Your life will change if you take action to address your hearing loss as soon as possible. Hearing aids can enhance brain function, which can help you overcome both personal and professional difficulties.
It is best to detect any hearing loss as soon as possible. Your annual hearing exam at the Hearing Wellness Centre will support your efforts to find the best option for you. You can have the assurance that you are doing everything correctly and completely thanks to yearly hearing examinations.
What’s involved in a hearing test?
You are first questioned by the hearing care specialist. For instance: Why do you believe your hearing is getting worse? At work, are you subjected to a lot of noise? Your responses will be used to make a preliminary judgement. The actual test is conducted in a lab setting rather than in a real-world one. Your hearing is subjected to various and even higher stress in everyday scenarios. The evaluation takes this into account.
Typically, a hearing test is conducted in a soundproof room or booth. You listen to sounds with various frequencies while wearing headphones. These noises span in frequency from very low to very high, or from 125 to 8,000 Hertz. They are played separately in each ear and begin extremely softly, inaudibly, and then gradually build in volume. As soon as you notice the sound, you will be prompted to respond. Typically, you will need to press a button or key.
Tips for getting ready for your hearing test
The idea of a hearing test causes a great deal of anxiety in many people. They are anxious for two reasons: first, since they are unaware of what to expect, and second, because they are worried about the result.
In both situations, anxiety might have a detrimental effect on the outcomes. The speed at which a sound is detected relies on responsiveness as well as your state on test day, such as how relaxed, stressed, or exhausted you are.
Give yourself plenty of time and try to arrive at the hearing test in a peaceful frame of mind as this session will last roughly 90 minutes. We suggest you to bring a friend or family member so that we can evaluate parts of the hearing test using a familiar voice.
How frequently should I get my hearing checked?
It’s crucial to get regular hearing examinations because untrained ears can develop into hearing loss. As a precaution, we advise getting your hearing checked once a year. You can find out if and how much your hearing has altered by getting regular hearing exams. The recovery of optimal hearing ability takes longer the longer hearing loss is left untreated.
