January 17, 2020
Regular Hearing Checks
How do you know when you need to have your hearing checked? There are clear signs that can prompt you to schedule an appointment with an audiologist: pain or discomfort in one or both of your ears, if you experience tinnitus (a ringing, buzzing, or clicking in your ears), to name a few. But there are more subtle signs that manifest over years. For example, gradually increasing the volume of the television, radio, or other media devices, and constantly asking people to repeat themselves in conversation.
The axiom from Benjamin Franklin states that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pint of cure” and it could not be more appropriate in caring for one’s hearing health. It can be just as important to have your hearing checked when everything seems fine as it is when there may be a problem.
There are many benefits to incorporate a hearing health check into your annual checkup. A baseline check can be performed by your medical doctor to inform you about where your hearing is at that point. As you age, your audiologist will be able to see how your hearing changes over the years. It may even give them an idea about your listening habits and allow them to suggest better practices or provide effective treatment.
Have Your Hearing Screened
An effective first step you can take in caring for your hearing is scheduling a hearing screening. It is a quick pass or fail test that determines if you need additional screening. If you pass, it is likely that you do not have hearing loss. If not, consider visiting us at Clear Hearing and Audiology for a hearing exam and thorough diagnosis of the results. This will help to determine how severe your hearing loss is and the best treatment for you.
Doctors screen the hearing for newborn babies, in grade school children have their hearing screened, and adults are screened at a doctor’s office. When you turn 21, it is recommended to have your hearing tested at least once. An easy way to accomplish this is to make it a part of your annual medical checkup. If you are younger than 50 years old and not experiencing a hearing loss, you can choose to have your hearing checked every 10 years. When you turn 50, it is recommended to have your hearing tested at least every 3 years.
You Are Not Alone
Disabling hearing loss affects an estimated 466 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 34 million of which are children. The Hearing Loss Association of America tells us that approximately 48 million people are living with hearing loss in the United States. The WHO also reports higher numbers of hearing loss, across all populations, in developing countries.
An estimated 30 percent of seniors over the age of 65 have a hearing loss and roughly 14 percent of adults between 45 and 64 are also living with hearing loss. Younger generations are also affected: about 8 million people between the ages of 18 and 44 have some degree of disabling hearing loss.
These statistics are meant to highlight that many people living with some degree of hearing loss and utilizing different treatments in the process. It also serves as a reminder that hearing loss is often called an invisible disability and steps toward being confident and visible by treating your hearing loss will slowly break down stigma around it and simultaneously benefit your overall health.
Caring for You Hearing Health
Caring for your hearing health as a part of your overall health cannot be overstated. If a hearing loss is present, you put yourself at great risk of developing other medical conditions if it is left untreated. Untreated hearing loss can lead to mental fatigue, social isolation, depression, and even Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Clear Hearing and Audiology
Visiting us at Clear Hearing and Audiology is the best way to get an accurate, in-depth examination of your hearing ability. We provide comprehensive hearing health services to ensure that you hear at your best. We look forward to working with you!