For many of us, hearing tests may not seem urgent or necessary unless we notice obvious signs of hearing difficulty. However, regular hearing screenings play a vital role in identifying gradual changes in hearing ability before they become more pronounced and potentially irreversible.

Regular hearing tests help in early detection, identifying subtle changes in hearing ability before they become noticeable or significantly impact daily life. Moreover, monitoring your hearing health through regular tests allows for proactive measures to prevent potential hearing loss and maintain optimal hearing. Early detection can improve quality of life, as hearing loss has a significant impact on effective communication, social interaction, and overall well-being. Annual ear checks also ensure that you can hear warning and important sounds, especially at work or when driving, as hearing loss can affect your safety.

Don't worry! Hearing tests are safe and conducted by trained audiologists, the hearing care professionals who can provide you with the best advice on hearing protection, treatment options, counseling, and therapies as needed.

Understanding when to get tested is equally important for maintaining good hearing health. It is highly recommended to have a yearly hearing test if you are over 45-50 years old or have a family history of hearing loss.

There are plenty of signs and symptoms to watch out for, such as difficulties in understanding speech, often asking for repetitions, or needing to blast the TV or radio volume louder. It is essential to monitor your hearing if you notice yourself or your loved ones experiencing any of these signs or symptoms.

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and some heart diseases, can impact your overall hearing abilities. Therefore, your healthcare provider might also recommend regular hearing tests.

If you love using earphones and headphones to listen to music for hours, it would be wise to get a baseline of your hearing level and monitor it annually. This can help you track any trends of deterioration over the years, as researchers have found that exposure to loud sounds or music can damage your hearing nerves and cause hearing loss, even if you are young.

Ultimately, discussing your hearing health with your healthcare provider and following their recommendations based on your individual circumstances will ensure you receive appropriate and timely testing to maintain optimal hearing health.

Written by: Kausellya, Audiologist at 20dB Digisound