Do You Really Need an Annual Hearing Test?

Is an annual hearing test really necessary? The short answer is, yes, you should schedule an appointment with an audiologist each year as part of keeping up with your overall health maintenance. Even if you don’t suspect hearing loss, an audiologist may discover an issue with your hearing or ears that you’re unaware of or have overlooked.

You may still be a bit skeptical or unsure about scheduling an annual hearing checkup. Here we’ll dive deeper into the question, do you really need an annual hearing test? It’ll help you understand fully all the benefits of taking this proactive approach.

When to Get a Hearing Test

As an adult, you should start with a baseline hearing test and get your hearing tested every few years thereafter. As soon as you hit the age of 55, then it’s recommended that you see and speak to an audiologist annually. It’ll allow you to carefully track your hearing over the years and you can more quickly and effectively recognize any signs of hearing loss before experiencing damage that might be irreversible or permanent.

Hearing Loss is Typically Gradual

Hearing loss is usually gradual and happens over time, so this is one good reason to get an annual hearing test. Being proactive and staying on top of your hearing means that you can create more awareness around any potential issues right away.

It’s in your best interest to be in the know of any changes in your hearing and to be able to closely monitor this reality as time goes on. Catching indications of hearing loss before it becomes too advanced is also important and can help you come up with a treatment plan immediately. Pay attention to any changes to your hearing as you go about your daily tasks and routine and bring this up with your audiologist during your annual hearing test.  

Possible Reasons for Hearing Loss

Age isn’t the only reason why you may experience hearing loss. It impacts a lot of people and is a chronic condition that’s not always due to old age. For instance, some injuries, infections and diseases can cause hearing loss in people of all ages. Among younger generations, noise-related hearing loss is becoming more widespread.

The Consequences of Not Treating Hearing Loss

An annual hearing test can prevent some negative effects that may arise when hearing loss goes untreated. One of the most significant downsides and consequences of not treating hearing loss is that it can negatively impact your health and happiness. Visiting an audiologist annually will also help you catch hearing loss before it turns into a more serious or permanent matter. Extreme noises in your work environment can cause hearing loss so don’t assume that hearing loss comes with age and you’re untouchable if you’re young.

Generally speaking, the longer you wait to treat hearing loss, the worse it’s likely to become as time passes. Hearing loss is also linked to a variety of additional health matters and diagnoses like dementia, depression, heart disease and sleep apnea. Not treating your hearing loss may begin to take a toll on your work and personal relationships as well. There may also soon be disruptions to your social, physical and emotional health if you ignore hearing loss.

Next Steps

Your next step to take is to get your hearing tested immediately, especially if you haven’t been keeping up with your annual visits or have never had your hearing tested. You can more quickly address concerns and take action as soon as you are evaluated by an audiologist.

Even if you’re currently not experiencing hearing loss, it’s always best to maintain a positive and proactive approach to the matter. The tests will give you peace of mind and won’t take up a lot of your time. You’ll be glad you did if your audiologist finds signs of hearing loss so that you can treat it right away and prevent it from worsening.  

Improve the quality of your life and your relationships by taking care of your hearing and scheduling an annual hearing test today. You should now realize the importance of having this done. It’s better to know about any hearing loss so you can treat it instead of continuing to feel disconnected and frustrated because you can’t hear well. 

At Atlantic Audiology, we believe that each patient is unique, and the impact of their hearing loss is unique as well. Therefore, we take an individualized approach to treating hearing loss. We will always work hard and take the time to find the solution that fits each patient best.

Learn more about Atlantic Audiology by calling us today at (401) 262-0170. We’re always available and happy to answer any questions you have or address any concerns!