Few people in Tucson think about their hearing very often—unless they suddenly find themselves struggling to hear.
The problem with hearing loss is, it can take a long time for any noticeable symptoms to appear; by then, your options for treatment may be limited, and you’ll have a higher risk for some pretty serious negative health consequences.
Hearing tests are the best way to detect a hearing impairment quickly. If you’re wondering when you should have your hearing tested in the absence of any obvious symptoms, we can help enlighten you.
A Practical Schedule for Hearing Exams
With 48 million Americans experiencing hearing loss, it’s pretty obvious the condition is widespread. It actually ranks just below arthritis and heart disease as one of the most common chronic physical health concerns in the U.S. 20 percent of people in Tucson and across Arizona suffer hearing loss to some degree.
What are the most common causes of hearing loss?
The causes of hearing loss vary. Age, noise, disease and trauma top the list.
Can hearing loss increase the risk of other conditions?
It’s important to seek treatment for a hearing impairment as soon as possible, otherwise you have a higher chance of developing a health complication such as depression, dementia or kidney disease. Your work may be affected, and relationships often suffer. Undiagnosed hearing loss will negatively impact your very quality of life.
How does the brain respond to hearing loss?
Symptoms of hearing loss are often subtle and difficult to detect. That’s because your brain steps up to the plate, “borrowing” resources from other key areas to assist in your hearing ability. The problem is, these areas include memory and concentration, which are important in their own right. Many studies have found a correlation between hearing loss and dementia for this very reason.
How can you detect hearing loss?
Obviously, the sooner you are diagnosed with a hearing impairment, the better your long-term treatment chances. Hearing tests are the best way to detect hearing loss early. How often you should get your hearing tested depends on factors such as your age, whether or not you are experiencing any symptoms and any risk factors that you might have.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends the following schedule.
How often should you have your hearing tested?
- Adults under the age of 50 should have their hearing tested at least once every 10 years.
- Adults aged 50 and older should have their hearing tested every three years.
- Children should have their hearing tested when they enter school and at ages 6, 8 and 10. They should be given additional hearing screenings once during middle school and again in high school.
- Frequent exposure to occupational or recreational noise
- Family history of hearing loss
- A recent or persistent viral or bacterial infection
- Use of drugs that are associated with hearing loss
- A recent head injury
Hearing tests are quick and painless and will give your audiologist the information necessary to come up with a treatment plan to improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of long-term health complications. Schedule an appointment today!