Understanding Why Regular Hearing Testing Is Important
Auditory health is an important part of overall health. Hearing loss may be the result of aging or caused by exposure to loud noises and other environmental factors. This loss often occurs over time, so a person doesn't notice they don't hear as well as they used to. Regular hearing assessments allow the loss to be caught early and measures taken to slow or halt its progression. Doing so preserves the person's ability to communicate with others.
If left untreated, hearing loss negatively impacts a person's cognitive function and puts them at risk of dementia and other health issues. Hearing evaluations allow potential problems to be treated before the symptoms become noticeable. Auditory wellness must be a priority to ensure every person has the highest quality of life. Why are hearing tests essential? Why should every person schedule hearing testing in your area today?
Psychological Considerations
Hearing loss, if left untreated, can bring about isolation and depression. The person will struggle to communicate with others and may avoid social interactions so they don't become frustrated. Maintaining relationships can be a challenge, and their self-esteem may suffer. Hearing aids and other interventions can prevent this from happening.
Health Outcomes
When people think of the health effects of hearing loss, cognitive decline is often the first thing they think of. However, hearing loss can affect a person's life in other ways. When people cannot hear clearly, for example, they may be putting themselves at risk. They could be unable to hear a fire alarm or other warning, putting their lives in danger. Hearing tests reduce the risk of someone missing a warning that could save their life.
Hearing Tests
Hearing tests help catch problems early. Doctors may use a range of tests to detect hearing loss, including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry. They will talk with the patient to learn their medical history and any concerns the patient has regarding their hearing. They will also conduct a physical exam before performing these tests. With the information gathered during this comprehensive assessment, the doctor can determine the cause and amount of hearing loss to develop a treatment plan to help the patient hear clearly again.
Auditory Testing Advances
Auditory testing benefits from technology today. People may soon benefit from integrated health devices that continuously monitor their hearing to detect problems early. Genetic testing is expanding to catch many hereditary issues early, and audiologists benefit from big data, as it helps them understand and predict problems affecting a range of individuals.
How Often Should a Person Have Their Hearing Tested?
Children should have regular hearing screening starting at birth. These screenings should continue every six months until the age of three. When the child turns three, annual screenings must be conducted. When the person turns 18, they should have baseline hearing tests followed by hearing assessments every five years. However, many people find their hearing ability declines as they age, so hearing tests every one or two years should be conducted when they reach 60.
Those regularly exposed to loud noises should have their hearing tested more often. The same holds for those with a family history of hearing loss and men and women with medical conditions that may affect hearing. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are two conditions that can impact hearing.
Schedule a hearing test with an audiologist today. These professionals have sophisticated equipment to test hearing and can provide various solutions based on the extent of hearing loss. With their help, a person can address their hearing loss early and live a high quality of life.
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