Silent Threat: Importance of Regular Hearing Screenings
If you don’t have obvious auditory issues, you might think a test is unnecessary. However, regular tests can help you preserve your hearing for life. They establish your auditory baseline levels and can detect any changes over time.
Consistent noise exposure can gradually damage your ears. By identifying the source, such as a noisy work environment, you can take steps to prevent further harm. Unfortunately, once the delicate parts of your ears are damaged, it cannot be undone. The best solution is prevention, and screenings are the first step.
What Is the Difference Between a Hearing Test & a Hearing Evaluation?
A test (or screening) is less comprehensive than an evaluation. It works on a pass-or-fail basis and simply indicates whether there is a degree of deafness. It can often be performed by your physician. Common screenings include the pure-tone test and speech discrimination test. However, there are many tests that can decipher the cause, extent, and even the part of the ear responsible for your condition.
On the other hand, assessments are conducted by a licensed audiologist. They review your entire case history and perform multiple tests. These comprehensive evaluations guide your treatment for hearing loss, which may include fitting you with hearing aids.
Why Is It Important to Have a Hearing Test?
One of the best ways to preserve auditory health is through prevention. If you’re a musician, work in construction, or are frequently exposed to loud noises, specialist devices can help protect your ears.
Expert hearing evaluations ensure that changes to your baseline are detected early. This allows you to identify the source of any issues promptly and take measures to prevent and monitor further damage.
What Is the Recommended Age for a Hearing Screening?
There is no recommended age for getting a test. A common misconception is that deafness only affects the elderly. In reality, approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) ages 18 and over report some level of auditory loss.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, 17% of teenagers and 19% of people in their 20s suffered from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss – an irreversible and completely preventable condition. This is especially prevalent among men between the ages of 20 and 69, who are almost twice as likely to experience deafness than women.
Protect Your Ears, Protect Your Health: Get Screened Today
Hearing screenings offer many benefits. They help prevent, monitor, and minimize deafness and reduce the chances of developing tinnitus (uncomfortable ringing in the ears). They can also lower your risk of other health complications, such as Alzheimer’s.
Most importantly, maintaining your ability to hear life’s full range of sounds allows you to live life to the fullest. Don’t let poor hearing impact your well-being, relationships, health, and happiness. Contact us for an assessment with a certified audiologist today!
