Do I Need an Annual Hearing Test?

Most people only go to the doctor when they are feeling sick. The same is true for hearing loss – many people don’t realize they have hearing loss until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to get regular hearing tests, even if you don’t think you have a problem. This blog post will discuss the benefits of annual hearing tests and answer some common questions about them.

Benefits of Hearing Tests

There are many benefits to getting an annual hearing test. First, it can help catch problems early. Hearing loss is a gradual process, so the sooner you catch it, the better. Second, annual hearing tests can help identify other health problems. For example, if you have a sudden drop in hearing, it could be a sign of a serious condition like meningitis or Meniere’s disease.

Third, hearing tests can help you stay connected to the people and things you love. As we age, our hearing changes, and we may not be able to hear as well as we used to. By getting regular hearing tests, you can make sure that you’re still able to communicate with your loved ones and enjoy the things you love.

Now that you know the benefits of annual hearing tests, you may be wondering how often you should get one. The answer depends on your age and risk factors for hearing loss. If you are under 50 years old and don’t have any risk factors for hearing loss, you should go to get a hearing test every three years. But if you are over 50 or have risk factors for hearing loss, such as family history, exposure to loud noise or certain medical conditions, you should get a hearing test every one to two years.

Talk to a Hearing Health Professional

If you think you may need a hearing test, the first step is to see a hearing health professional. They will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. A hearing healthcare professional specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing loss. Once a hearing health professional knows all of your background, a hearing test will take place.

These will typically last 30 minutes to an hour, so make sure you have time in case it takes a little longer. Your hearing health professional will then discuss the results with you and tell you the severity of your hearing loss. They will also talk to you about the hearing aid options you can choose from. There are three main types of hearing aids, behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC). You can talk your hearing care professional on which style would be the best for your needs.

Diagnostic Audiologic Evaluation

This evaluation can help determine not only the severity of your hearing loss but also the type, which is important for treatment planning. Diagnostic evaluations detect hearing loss, measure the ability to hear different tones and assess how well sound is transmitted from the outer ear through the middle ear and cochlea to the brain.

This type of evaluation also can help identify other problems that could be causing or contributing to your hearing loss, such as wax buildup, a foreign body in your ear canal, allergies, medications that may have ototoxic side effects, tumors, degenerative diseases such as Meniere’s disease or autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) and circulatory system disorders.

Industrial Hearing Screening

An industrial hearing screening is a quick way to determine if you have hearing loss. It’s usually done by a hearing health professional using a machine called an audiometer. During the screening, you’ll be asked to wear headphones and respond when you hear sounds of different pitches and volumes. The results of the test will show whether you have hearing loss and, if so, how severe it is. Your hearing health professional will explain your results and what this means for you.

Hearing screenings are important because they can help identify people who have hearing loss so they can get treatment. But it’s important to remember that a hearing screening is not the same as a diagnostic evaluation, which is needed to determine the cause of your hearing loss.

If you are over 50 or have risk factors for hearing loss, such as family history, exposure to loud noise or certain medical conditions, you should get a hearing test every one to two years. Learn more about Beltone Hearing Care and call to book an appointment with a professional in your area.

• Campbell River, BC: (778) 560-3112
• Comox, BC: (778) 560-3103
• Coquitlam, BC: (604) 283-4430
• Duncan, BC: (778) 410-2166
• Nanaimo, BC: (778) 410-2529
• Powell River, BC: (778) 410-2167
• Sidney, BC: (778) 410-2536