By age 55, the odds of an individual experiencing hearing loss is 1 in 4. By age 65, that increases to 1 in 2. Hearing loss is among the most common sensory conditions experienced by aging Americans and has become a serious health and societal issue. Ignoring your hearing loss can have significant negative impacts on your health and wellbeing.
It’s never too late to make an improvement in your life and taking a comprehensive hearing test can open up a whole world of possibilities, empowerment, and motivation.
Why it’s Worth Getting Your Hearing Tested
The most important reason for getting a hearing test is to identify and confirm whether or not you are experiencing hearing loss. If you think you are suffering from hearing loss, a consultation with a hearing professional can save you from years of hearing difficulty, or worse, permanent hearing loss.
Here are some primary reasons why you should schedule a hearing test today:
- It’s Quick & Accurate – Depending on severity, a hearing test takes less than an hour and includes several auditory assessments, ear anatomy inspections, and a thorough analysis and review of test results.
- Provides a Solution Driven Analysis – a hearing test identifies your level of hearing loss, if any, allowing your hearing specialist to provide you with effective solutions and options to treat your specific hearing loss.
- Improves Physical Health – Uncorrected hearing loss affects us in more ways than once thought. Straining to hear is exhausting work and can result in fatigue and tiredness. Also, a loss of hearing affects our equilibrium, limiting awareness and increasing your risk of falling by 3 times that of someone without hearing loss.
- Supports Mental Health – Hearing loss has been connected to the early onset of dementia and mental decline. The mind is like a muscle and requires regular stimulation. When we have difficulty hearing we often miss out on regular conversation and the exchange of information. If hearing loss goes untreated, it can strain relationships with family and friends often leading to social isolation and depression.
How Do I Schedule My Hearing Test?
Whether you are a new or returning patient, scheduling your hearing test appointment is fast and intuitive. Our online appointment scheduler is easy to understand and allows you to select a date and time that works with your own personal schedule.
Here you can also add any additional contact information or comments you would like your hearing specialist to know. Likewise, if you have immediate questions or just prefer to speak to a person, you may call your local office direct and a friendly staff member will be happy to assist you.
What Happens During My Hearing Test?
On the day of your appointment, here’s what you can expect:
- Your hearing instrument specialist will ask you several hearing-related questions. Questions may regard your medical and family history of hearing loss, your lifestyle both in and outside your home, and any hearing or ear-related symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Your inner and outer ears will be visually inspected for any evident signs of an underlying medical condition or abnormality that may be contributing to your hearing loss. This is also to ensure any hearing loss is not being caused by any debris build-up.
- You will receive multiple auditory tests, which will help your hearing specialist assess your level of hearing loss. These tests may include:
- A Tone Test to determine how softly you can hear tones at varying pitches.
- A Speech Test where you will be asked to repeat back words or sentences heard at varying volumes.
- A Pressure Test to measure your eardrums flexibility and capacity for transmitting sound.
- After all necessary testing is complete, your hearing specialist will discuss with you your results in a clear and concise manner. Once your level of hearing loss has been established, your hearing specialist will make their professional recommendation and present you with all available treatment options, which may include the use of a hearing aid.
Note that it is not uncommon to be recommended a reevaluation of your hearing a few months after your initial appointment in order to track any changes in your hearing. This helps to ensure you are receiving the best possible hearing health care.
What You Can Learn from Your Hearing Test
The information you can take away from your hearing test includes:
- An understanding of your current hearing health.
- A “roadmap” to your best hearing health with recommended treatment options.
- Peace of mind and the confidence needed to take the next step on your hearing health journey.
Once your hearing test is complete and you have a much better understanding of your overall hearing health, it is important for adults over age 55 to schedule annual hearing tests. This is vital in maintaining your hearing health and allows you to prevent your hearing loss from worsening or becoming irreversible.
A Great New Year Begins With Better Hearing
When it comes down to it, getting a hearing test is definitely worth it. Your hearing directly impacts so many aspects of your life. Your personal relationships, mental and physical health, and even your career. Be proactive and treat your hearing loss before it becomes a serious problem.
Take charge of your hearing health by scheduling a comprehensive hearing test today!