It is not the case. You can experience changes to your hearing at any age. It’s also worth noting that there are various types of hearing loss that have a range of causes. For instance, you might find that your hearing loss is due to a buildup or earwax. That is actually very common.
Or it could be because your ears have been damaged due to repeated exposure to loud noise. People don’t realize that exposure to loud noise, such as music, can cause permanent hearing loss over time. The best way to check whether your hearing has changed is with a hearing test. But how often should you book a hearing test with an audiologist?
It’s fair to say that you probably don’t think about your hearing as much as other aspects of your health. Most people get their teeth checked every six months (or should) to ensure that they haven’t got any cavities or a large buildup of plaque. But your hearing is different. You probably won’t get your hearing checked for years, even after you start to notice changes to your hearing.
Part of the reason for this is that people tend to view hearing loss as something that everyone will go through at a certain point. While hearing loss is quite common, it’s not a guarantee that you will experience hearing loss as you get older. Some people have great hearing well into their twilight years.
You will already have had a hearing test by the time you are 21. The reason for this is that your hearing ability is always checked when you are a baby. This usually occurs about four weeks after a baby is born. Hearing is essential for both speech and language development. Doctors want to make sure if babies are experiencing any changes here, then they are picked up immediately. Throughout childhood you likely had more hearing tests at the pediatrician’s office and or at school where many of those over 50 had them along with an eye test every year.
As a rule, adults should have their hearing checked at least once every decade. However, if you are over the age of 60, then it is worth getting your hearing checked about once every year. The reason for this is that it’s more likely that hearing loss will occur at this age and after because your hairs in the ear canal are more likely to be damaged.
Hearing tests are important because if you are experiencing hearing loss then it can start to impact your quality of life. You might find it difficult to successfully engage in a conversation because you won’t be able to hear everything that someone is saying to you. This isn’t the only issue that you could experience either. As we age, people who experience hearing loss are more likely to feel isolated because they can’t hear those around them. So, it makes social interactions more of a challenge. This is why frequent hearing tests are recommended once you reach 60 but of course prevention is something we are a big fan of and we suggest starting when your hearing is fine, at around 50.
Anyone who regularly works in environments with loud noises should get their hearing tested more regularly than usual. The reason for this is that your hearing can change if you are exposed to noises that are any louder than 70 decibels. A variety of machines that people work with on a daily basis make noise that emit sounds above this level. You should be wearing hearing protection if you are working in this type of environment but it’s still important to get your hearing checked.
Hearing tests are also important because treatment options for hearing loss are readily available and noninvasive. The main form of treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These are suitable for every type of hearing loss and come in a variety of different styles. As such, regardless of the type of hearing loss you are experiencing, you can get the support that you need. You should speak to your audiologist about the different types of hearing aids that are available and that might provide the benefits that you need.
Hearing aids can offer a range of different features that are designed to improve your quality of life. For instance, most modern hearing aids will connect seamlessly to the tech devices that you use on a daily basis. It is actually amazing.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at info@old-cow.com or contact your doctor.
