Hearing loss affects the vast majority of the population. In many cases, lives can be improved if the hearing loss is determined sooner rather than later. The sooner the solution can be found, the better the chances of preventing or slowing down the progression of hearing loss.
One way you can do this is by having your hearing tested regularly. This will help in early intervention, which is essential in maintaining healthy hearing and minimising the likelihood of associated conditions such as dementia and other medical conditions.
What is A Hearing Test?
Hearing tests are a way to determine if you can access all frequencies of sounds audible to the human ear. Besides testing for hearing loss, the tests can also check for the measure or degree to which you are unable to hear the various frequencies. This can be crucial in ensuring the best solutions for your needs can be determined.
Comprehensive hearing exams are performed in a soundproof booth. However, the exact procedure that goes into the test will vary depending on the type of test you are taking.
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of losing your hearing, you can also take self-guided tests at home that will help you assess whether there is something wrong. Although self-guided hearing tests can provide some personal insight into potential changes to your hearing, you should remember that they are only a preliminary step, and you should book a more comprehensive exam with a specialist.
Hearing tests done by a professional can provide you with an official diagnosis and an informed treatment plan to fit your type and degree of hearing loss.
What To Expect During Your Hearing Test Appointment
If it is your first time attending a hearing test appointment, knowing what to expect can help you remain at ease and make the process smoother and faster. Here is a typical step-by-step guide of what you should expect during your hearing test appointment:
Questionnaire
The first step of the hearing test is the medical history. For this, the person administering the test will have to ask you questions to gather all the information about your health and lifestyle and the levels of sounds or noise encountered in your career and leisure activities.
The information obtained from these questions will help the specialist provide the most accurate diagnosis. If you are taking any medication, you should bring a list of the medication, and you should be prepared to answer questions about your health and any family history of hearing loss as well.
Physical Exam
The specialist will also conduct a physical exam of your ear as part of the hearing test. They will use a special device called an otoscope. The device allows the specialist to closely examine your ear canal and ear drum without causing much discomfort. This can rule out any obvious external damage and earwax impaction that could be interfering with your hearing ability.
Measuring Hearing
After the physical exam, you will be asked to play an active role in determining your hearing level. The specialist will have you sit in a comfortable and soundproof booth, and you will be asked to respond to tones and voices to determine how well you can hear specific sounds. There is a range of hearing tests that the audiologist will conduct, including the following:
- Otoscopy: Otoscopy is a simple process in which the audiologist looks into your ear using a special device that magnifies the canal details and shows whether factors such as wax could be responsible for your hearing loss.
- Tympanometry: This is also known as a pressure test. It involves releasing a small amount of air into the ear to detect whether the eardrum is working correctly.
- Air audiometry: During this test, sounds are played into headphones for you to indicate what and where you hear the test.
- Bone audiometry: Sounds are played directly through the mastoid bone to test hearing in the inner ear or cochlea.
- Speech audiometry: Words are played through headphones. You will be asked to repeat what you hear back to the audiologist.
The audiologist will explain each of the tests and what to expect during them to keep your mind at ease and ensure you understand each step of the process.
When Should You Have Your Hearing Tested?
Different types of hearing loss can happen gradually. In many cases, the early signs of hearing loss can be passed off as being unusual circumstances. Having hearing tests at the right time can significantly improve your chances of saving your hearing. However, the right time differs depending on various factors.
Babies
Babies should have a hearing test before leaving the hospital or no later than a month after birth. This will help ascertain that the baby does not have hearing loss or complications with its ears.
Children
It is also important to have your children's hearing tested. If you have concerns about your child's hearing, you should talk to your pediatrician right away.
Hearing tests among children are critical in determining any preexisting risk factors. There is also the concern of hereditary hearing loss that may not begin to develop until later on in adolescence. If the child has been exposed to certain illnesses such as chronic ear infections can lead to gradual hearing loss.
Accidents such as head injuries or exposure to loud noises can also result in hearing loss in children. You should monitor your child's communication milestones up to the age of 5 to help indicate possible signs of hearing loss.
Adult 18-40 Years
Even though adults within this age bracket are in generally good health and may not be experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss, it is important to have their hearing tested every three to five years. If you experience prolonged exposure to loud noises, health issues that can cause hearing loss, or take prescription or over-the-counter medication, you may need more frequent follow-up exams.
Adults 40-59 Years
As you grow older, experts recommend getting hearing tests more frequently, at least one to three years. If you have symptoms of existing hearing loss or experience repeated exposure to loud noises, the testing should be more frequent.
Most people start experiencing some degree of hearing loss around the age of 50, largely due to age, which makes regular testing even more necessary.
Seniors
With the increased likelihood of hearing loss in later years, you should consider having a hearing test annually if you are over the age of 60 years. The older you are, the more frequent your hearing tests should be.
People with Hearing Loss
If you have previously been diagnosed with hearing loss, you should come in for annual checkups to ensure your hearing has not changed and that, if it has, proper adjustments are made to your hearing aids.
The hearing test may also include checking your hearing aid to ensure it is in good working order. If necessary, the batteries and filters may also be replaced. If better hearing aids are available, the audiologist will advise whether you should consider an upgrade.
Why You Should Take Regular Hearing Tests
Hearing tests are important for several reasons and can be a crucial part of your health checkup routine. Some of the reasons why you should have your hearing tested include the following:
Safety and awareness
Hearing is the only sense that is constantly active. It allows us to recognise danger, even when we're asleep. The ears remain receptive to unusual or essential sounds, such as alarms, a child crying, or a car hooting.
The ears also help you identify a potential threat before you even see it. They play a crucial role in maintaining good balance, which is why keeping up with your hearing tests is important to ensure you don't compromise all these benefits that come with healthy ears.
Communication
Ears also play a crucial role in communication, and the quality of your hearing plays a huge part in that. Undiagnosed hearing loss can create communication barriers, making it difficult to keep up with conversation and hear what others are saying.
Lack of proper hearing can lead to misunderstandings, frustrations, and social isolation. The more challenging social isolation becomes, the higher the chances that people will avoid it, which can lead to isolation.
Routine hearing tests and hearing loss can be recognised promptly and if needed, hearing aids can be used to enhance communication and restore your ability to socialise without the struggles.
Cognitive Health and Memory
Hearing loss is closely associated with cognitive decline, and reports indicate that it can increase the risk of developing dementia. Regular hearing tests can help detect any hearing loss early and potentially slow down cognitive decline to promote healthy brain function.
Conclusion
Getting your hearing tested even when you believe your hearing is just fine is crucial not only to your hearing sense but also to other aspects of your health. If your hearing is below stellar, there are treatments and hearing aids that we provide that you can use that can help you regain your hearing and improve your quality of life.