For people with hearing loss in Charleston, there’s never a question of how often they should have their hearing tested: it’s something that occurs regularly. But for the rest of us, we seldom give our hearing much thought. You should have your hearing tested from time to time; how often depends on a variety of factors.
What you need to know about hearing loss
Most of us regularly schedule vision exams and dental checkups, but when it comes to hearing, we often overlook our ears.
How many people are affected by hearing loss?
Hearing loss is a national health concern, affecting approximately 48 million Americans.
Does hearing loss have negative side effects?
When left unchecked, it increases your risk of developing a number of physical, social and psychological health conditions. These range from anxiety and loneliness to dementia and falls. The sooner a hearing impairment is detected, the better your odds of preventing or delaying many of these negative side effects.
How long does it take to diagnose hearing loss?
But hearing loss often goes unnoticed. You might think the signs would be obvious, but our brains do a remarkable job of filling in the gaps, diverting resources from either key cognitive areas to help us hear better. On average, it takes seven years from the onset of hearing loss before the typical patient will seek medical attention. By then, they may already be suffering the consequences.
How old is the average hearing loss patient?
“But I’m not old,” you might be thinking. Doesn’t matter; only one-third of all patients are 65 or older. Hearing loss affects people of all ages and can result from a variety of factors, including noise exposure, disease, trauma and more. For these reasons, hearing examinations should be a regular part of your medical routine.
How often should you have your hearing tested?
How often you have your hearing tested depends on factors such as your age, overall health, symptoms and risk factors such as family history and diseases linked to hearing loss. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends the following schedule for having your hearing tested:
- Adults younger than 50 should have their hearing tested at least once every 10 years.
- Adults older than 50 should have their hearing tested every three years.
- Children should be tested when they enter school and at ages 6, 8 and 10. They should have an additional hearing test at least once during both middle school and high school.
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of hearing loss. You should have your hearing tested more frequently if you have experienced any of the following:
- Occupational or recreational noise exposure.
- Family history of hearing loss.
- Viral or bacterial infections.
- Use of medications linked to hearing loss.
- A head injury.
Contact us to schedule a hearing exam
Contact a Charleston hearing specialist to schedule a hearing exam today. The process is quick and painless and will ensure any problems are caught early, allowing you to receive treatment and prevent long-term complications.
Learn about Hearing Aid Benefits:
Our Central Charleston Area Audiologists Office Locations
Mount Pleasant
180 Wingo Way, Suite 103
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 766-7103
West Ashley
2295 Henry Tecklenburg Dr
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 766-7103