Our ability to hear is an often underappreciated aspect of our health, playing a crucial role in communication, safety, and overall quality of life. Yet, many people neglect their hearing health, often until a problem becomes significant. Just as we routinely visit dentists for oral health and optometrists for vision, regular hearing check-ups with an audiologist are essential.
Here, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why routine hearing tests are important. We’ll also let you know how often hearing check-ups are recommended based on various age groups. Then, we’ll explain why audiologists make excellent hearing health partners.
4 Key Reasons Why Regular Hearing Check-ups Are Essential for Your Hearing Health
1. Early Detection of Hearing Loss
While some cases of hearing loss come on suddenly, many cases occur gradually over time. Such gradual hearing changes make it difficult to understand the full extent of your hearing loss until it’s progressed significantly.
With hearing check-ups at regular intervals, however, it’s much easier to detect the warning signs of hearing loss before it’s too late. Early detection can make hearing loss treatment more effective and improve your chances for a favorable outcome.
2. Prevention of Additional Hearing Damage
Did you know that some cases of hearing loss are actually preventable? For example, repeated exposure to loud noise without appropriate hearing protection can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Other types of hearing loss may be caused by treatable conditions such as an ear infection or something as simple as an earwax buildup. Routine hearing check-ups with an audiologist can often help prevent further hearing damage in situations like these.
3. Enhanced Communication
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on relationships and make social interactions very challenging. With regular hearing check-ups, however, any changes in hearing can be detected and treated early on, enhancing your ability to communicate with others.
4. Improved Maintenance of Cognitive Health
Recent research has indicated a possible connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. People with hearing loss have also been shown to have an increased risk of dementia. Hearing is a complex process involving the brain, and when the brain has to work harder to understand sounds, it can affect cognitive function. Regular hearing check-ups and appropriate treatment can help keep your brain healthy by reducing the cognitive load associated with hearing loss.
How Often Are Hearing Check-ups Recommended?
How often you get your hearing tested can depend on a variety of factors, including your age and any family history of hearing loss. Let’s take a look at different age groups and what the recommendation is for each.
- Newborns: Infants typically undergo newborn hearing testing before they even leave the hospital. If any abnormality is discovered at this time, it’s usually recommended that babies have follow-up testing with an audiologist soon after.
- Toddlers: Unless hearing loss was detected at a younger age or they’re currently showing signs of hearing difficulty, toddlers may not undergo formal hearing testing. However, your child’s pediatrician may ask about hearing at routine doctor’s visits. If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing in the meantime, it’s essential you reach out to their doctor or an audiologist to get your questions answered.
- School-aged Children: Regular hearing check-ups are often included with your child’s yearly school physical. If they’re not, however, don’t be afraid to request a hearing test if you believe your child is experiencing hearing difficulties. Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can be essential to their academic success as well as their success later in life.
- Adults: Barring any noticeable hearing changes, adults should have their hearing tested at least once every 10 years. The interval should be much shorter for adults over age 50, individuals with occupational noise exposure, or people with a family history of hearing loss.
Why Schedule Your Hearing Check-ups with an Audiologist?
Your primary care doctor may be qualified to conduct routine hearing screenings during your yearly physical exams. If you have concerns about your hearing, however, we recommend you visit an audiologist.
First, audiologists are hearing professionals. That means they not only deal with hearing loss but can evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of hearing related issues. Audiologists are typically more qualified to conduct a thorough hearing evaluation, only part of which is the standard hearing test with which you may be familiar.
Audiologists also stay up to date with current hearing technology. Even if you don’t use hearing aids, they can help you explore other technologies and treatment options that can enhance your hearing experience.
Schedule a Hearing Test with Our Mesa and Scottsdale Audiologists
Hearing is a vital sense that significantly impacts quality of life. Regular hearing check-ups are essential for early detection of hearing loss, preventing further damage, enhancing communication, maintaining cognitive health, and ensuring overall ear health.
By making routine visits to an audiologist a priority, you can protect your hearing, stay connected with loved ones, and enjoy a higher quality of life. And, we’re here to help! We have audiology clinics in Mesa, North Scottsdale, and South Scottsdale, each staffed with experienced and caring audiologists who can help you hear better.
Don’t wait until a problem arises—schedule a hearing check-up today and take proactive steps towards maintaining your hearing health!
The post Sound Advice From Audiologists: Why Regular Hearing Check-ups Are So Important appeared first on Hear Well – Live Well.
