Most have their teeth checked, their eyes examined and their general health assessed on a yearly basis. But what about your hearing? Having your hearing checked regularly can ensure you catch any loss early. And as with most medical conditions, the sooner you seek treatment for your hearing loss the better the outcome.
Test vs. Screening
Do you know when you should go in for a hearing exam compared to when a hearing screening is good enough?
A hearing screening is a simple list of questions about your ability to hear. Some are even available online to make the process as easy as possible. A hearing screening is usually completed before any symptoms are reported.
A hearing exam is ordered as soon as you let your provider know that you are experiencing hearing loss symptoms. There are a number of hearing tests that are often included in an exam in order to determine your exact type and degree of hearing loss. Common tests we perform include:
- Pure tone testing
- Bone conduction testing
- Speech testing
- Tympanometry
- Acoustic reflex testing
When You Should Be Screened
School-aged children and newborns are routinely screened for hearing loss. While adults who do not notice any issues with their hearing do not require a yearly hearing screening, there are two groups who should be screened regularly. Those over the age of 60 should complete a baseline hearing exam and then continue to be screened every few years to monitor changes to their hearing. Regardless of age, anyone who is regularly exposed to sounds louder than 85 dB should have a yearly screening. This includes someone who is in a band that performs at The Oil Palace or someone who works in construction.
If your hearing screening reveals symptoms of hearing loss, you should schedule a full hearing exam.
What to Do Once You Have Diagnosed Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a progressive condition that gradually worsens over time. If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, you will continually need to have your hearing retested to ensure you are receiving the correct treatment.
Your hearing aids will also need to be tested to make sure they are providing the right level of amplification. Depending on how your hearing loss has progressed, you may need a simple adjustment or require an updated model if your current hearing aid is too outdated to fit your hearing needs. To learn more about hearing screening or to schedule an exam with one of our hearing experts, contact SoundLogic today.