How often should you have your hearing tested?

Every year, we all head off to the dentist to get our teeth properly cleaned and checked. Glasses wearers visit the opticians regularly for check-ups. Non-glasses wearers who begin to struggle will have no problem booking in at their local opticians for a sight test. But have you actually ever even considered booking yourself in for a hearing consultation?

Ultimately, the truth of it is that we often take our hearing for granted until it begins to fail us. Considering that over half of the UK’s population aged over 55 have a hearing loss, you would assume that hearing tests would be more prominent in society. However, a survey showed that an overwhelming majority of the population have never even had a hearing test since they were born. Unfortunately, as we age, hearing problems are more likely to develop.

What are the signs of hearing loss?

A great early indicator of hearing loss is if you have to keep turning up the volume on the TV. The people around you may comment on how loud it is but for you it’s just fine. It’s easy to laugh this off as just another part of getting older, but it could be a hearing loss. It’s important to treat a hearing loss with hearing aids as early as possible.

Another sign of hearing loss is if you struggle to follow conversation in busy, noisy places such as restaurants. If you’re continually asking people to repeat themselves or speak louder, it’s probably time you book yourself in for a hearing test.

The very first hearing test

There are lots and lots of different signs of hearing loss and they don’t all begin as you age. Some babies are born with hearing problems, and these become evident when they start speaking. The first time most people will have had a hearing test is as a new-born baby. It will depend on your age as to whether this test was offered when you were a baby. All babies born today are offered a routine hearing screening. Hearing is so important for the development of speech and language skills because if you can’t hear what those around you are saying, you won’t be able to develop your speech properly.

How often should you book in for a hearing test?

Generally, healthy adults should have their hearing tested at least once every 10 years. Once you reach 60, you should consider having one every 12 months. As we age, the hairs in the inner ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound waves further into the ear canal, can be become damaged. This is why as we age, we should have our hearing tested more frequently.

If you work in a noisy environment, and are younger than 60, you should consider having a hearing test every few years. This is to ensure you haven’t suffered from any noise-related hearing damage.

Having your hearing tested is entirely painless, very easy and quick to do. A hearing loss can become worse the longer it is left untreated, so the sooner you do something about it the better for your hearing health. If you would like to discuss our hearing consultation process further, or are interested in booking a hearing test, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.