Why You Should Schedule a Hearing Test
Hearing loss is the third most experienced physical condition for adults worldwide. Right now, there are an estimated 48 million Americans suffering from a decrease in hearing. That’s 1 out of 5 people, many of whom go untreated. By age 65, 1 out of 3 people will experience hearing loss.
Other Compelling Reasons
Hearing loss is a major public health concern and can affect people of all ages. Depending on the cause, hearing loss may be sudden or gradual as well as temporary or permanent. Undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss can have adverse consequences on both our physical and mental health.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent future problems and conditions. Many people wait until difficulty hearing has already begun and by that time may have been living with hearing loss for several years.
Hearing loss risks increase with age and individuals over age 60 are recommended to seek annual hearing checkups in order to catch and diagnose hearing problems early.
A hearing test is an evaluation of a person’s ability to hear different sounds and their sensitivity to various noise. The intention is to help determine the degree of hearing loss (if any) or the kind of hearing loss a person is experiencing.
During a comprehensive hearing exam, your hearing professional will ask you questions about your hearing and hearing health history as well as inspect the condition of your ear canals and eardrum.
After your ears have been examined, you will undergo an auditory test likely involving a series of tones or voices at different frequencies presented to each ear separately.
All steps of a hearing test are painless. Afterwards your physician will discuss the results of your hearing test and make recommendations for next steps if necessary.
How do I Know if I Need a Hearing Test?
The signs of hearing loss may be subtle and difficult to identify at first. It may often take years for a person to realize or admit they are experiencing a loss in hearing. If you experience any of the following, you may want to consider scheduling a comprehensive hearing examination.
You say “What?” often…
Asking someone to repeat themselves from time to time is fine, but if you have to ask for frequent repetition this may be a symptom of hearing loss.
You have trouble hearing on the phone…
Occasional trouble is not worrisome, but regular difficulty hearing the other party over the phone may be symptom of hearing loss.
You have a ringing in your ears…
Ringing in the ears is often thought to be a sign of hearing loss or damage.
You have trouble hearing in crowded environments…
Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear in group situations such as restaurants and social gatherings.
Your television is too loud for others comfort…
If you require turning your television to a volume others find uncomfortable, it may be a sign of hearing loss.
People have said something to you…
If friends or family have expressed concern about your ability to hear, it may be time to schedule a hearing test.