Why Everyone Should Have Their Hearing Tested

Read our latest article to find out why you should always have your hearing tested! 

Are you aware of how important it is to get your hearing tested? Many adults ignore regular hearing tests, with the misconception that their hearing abilities are not worth testing or that something can only be done once a drastic decline has occurred. 

However, research and medical experts have found that getting periodically screened for any signs of hearing loss can lead to early detection and treatment options being used before further harm occurs. 

There are advantages to having a professional evaluation from an audiologist - from diagnosis to understanding new solutions in treating impaired hearing - monitoring your auditory health is as essential as any other form of checkup. 

Keep reading to explore why everyone should have their hearing tested! Our team here at Goldsmith & Harvey have provided clients with hearing aids and hearing tests for several years; we are more than happy to get you booked for an appointment today! 

Why Is It Important To Have Your Hearing Tested?

 It is essential to have your hearing tested for several reasons. Regular hearing tests can help detect hearing loss early, allowing prompt treatment and management. Early detection of hearing loss can also prevent further damage to the auditory system.

Good hearing is essential for communication with others. Untreated hearing loss can lead to difficulty in understanding speech, which can cause problems in social, educational, and work settings. You can improve your overall quality of life by detecting and treating hearing loss. With better hearing, you can enjoy conversations, music, and other sounds that make life more enjoyable.

Hearing loss has been linked to other health problems, such as cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation. Addressing hearing loss early can prevent or reduce the risk of these problems. Good hearing is also essential for personal safety. For example, hearing approaching vehicles or emergency sirens can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Having your hearing tested is a simple and painless way to ensure you hear well and address any hearing issues early on. By caring for your hearing, you can enjoy better communication, improved quality of life, and better overall health and safety. 

How Is A Hearing Test Performed?

A hearing test is a non-invasive and painless procedure typically performed by an audiologist, a healthcare professional specialising in evaluating and treating hearing disorders. 

The exact procedure may vary depending on the type of test being conducted and the equipment used, but here is a general overview of how a hearing test is performed:

Consultation: The audiologist will typically begin by asking you about your medical history and any current symptoms you are experiencing. This may involve questions about your exposure to loud noises, medications you are taking, and any history of ear infections or other ear-related problems.

Physical examination: The audiologist may then perform a physical examination of your ears to check for any signs of earwax buildup, inflammation, or other issues that could affect your hearing.

Pure-tone audiometry: This is the most common type of hearing test. During this test, you will be asked to wear headphones and listen to a series of tones played at different frequencies and volumes. You will be asked to indicate each time you hear a tone. This helps the audiologist determine your level of hearing sensitivity.

Speech audiometry: This test involves listening to and repeating back words or phrases played at different volumes to evaluate your ability to understand speech.

Additional tests: Depending on your situation, the audiologist may perform additional tests to evaluate specific aspects of your hearing, such as bone conduction testing, which checks the hearing sensitivity of the inner ear, or impedance testing, which checks for middle ear problems.

Once the hearing test is complete, the audiologist will review the results with you and provide recommendations for any necessary treatment or further evaluation. 

Hearing tests are essential for detecting hearing loss and identifying any underlying conditions that may be affecting your hearing, 

so it's essential to have your hearing tested regularly, especially if you notice any changes in your hearing.

How Can You Take Care Of Your Hearing Health? 

Taking care of your hearing health is an essential part of overall wellness. You can do several things to protect your ears from damage and reduce your risk of hearing problems. One of the most important steps is to protect your ears from loud noises. Exposure to loud noises can cause hearing damage, so it's important to wear earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones in loud environments, reduce the volume on personal listening devices, and avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises.

Keeping your ears clean is another important aspect of hearing health. Earwax buildup can cause hearing problems, but it's essential not to use cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears, as this can cause damage. Instead, use a warm washcloth to clean the outside of your ear gently.

Maintaining good overall health is also essential for hearing health. Several health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can affect your hearing, so eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are essential. Knowing your medications is also important, as some can cause hearing damage.

Regular hearing tests are another critical step in maintaining hearing health. Hearing tests can help detect hearing problems early, allowing prompt treatment and management. This can include seeing an audiologist for a hearing evaluation every few years or more frequently if you notice any changes in your hearing.

Quitting smoking is another crucial step you can take to protect your hearing health. Smoking has been linked to several health problems, including hearing loss, so quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of hearing damage.

Protecting your hearing health can reduce your hearing damage risk and preserve your ability to hear well. If you have any concerns about your hearing, talk to your healthcare provider or an audiologist for advice and guidance.

Contact Goldsmith & Harvey Today For A Hearing Appointment 

Everyone needs to get their hearing tested regularly. It is a preventative health issue that can help protect our sense of hearing before it becomes impaired. By getting your ears tested at least once a year, you can protect the quality of life you enjoy through the continuity of retaining your normal hearing function. 

And if any concerning abnormalities are detected, you will have guidance from professionals who can advise on how to offer relief and get assistive device options. 

The audiology team at Goldsmith & Great strives to offer its clients the personal care and dedicated service in a comfortable environment. Trained audiologists are experienced in treating all types of hearing issues and are determined to find the best solution for you. 

The value such an appointment provides should not be taken lightly: So don’t wait if your hearing has been compromised or changed recently; contact Goldsmith & Harvey for a prompt and thorough consultation today!