Hearing is one of the most important senses that helps us communicate, enjoy music and interact with others. Unfortunately, hearing loss can occur at any age and often goes undetected until it becomes severe. Even a mild or moderate hearing loss can have serious implications on social interaction, quality of life and even job performance. That’s why it’s so important to get regular hearing screenings throughout your life in order to detect any potential problems early on and take action to preserve your hearing health.

What is Hearing Screening?

A hearing screening is a medical examination that tests your ability to hear in both ears. It can detect whether or not you have a hearing loss, and if so, what type of hearing loss it is and how severe it is. Hearing screenings are quick and painless; they typically involve wearing headphones while listening to a series of tones at different frequencies. Your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) will measure the loudness at which you can hear each tone in order to determine if there’s any evidence of hearing loss.

Who Should Get Regular Hearing Tests?

Research shows that hearing loss can begin as early as age 25 and increase with age. Therefore, everyone should get a baseline hearing test in their twenties or thirties and follow up with regular screenings every 10 years or so to ensure that there are no changes over time. It’s especially important for those who work in noisy environments such as factories, construction sites and other areas where loud noises occur on a regular basis.

People with certain medical conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, may also be at a greater risk of developing hearing loss, so they should get annual checkups to detect any problems sooner rather than later.

How Are Hearing Screenings Conducted?

Although the majority of hearing tests are conducted in adequate. You will be required to wear headphones and listen to various tones at various volumes during the exam. A hearing instrument specialist will measure the loudness of each tone in order to determine if there’s any evidence of hearing loss. If a hearing loss is detected, further testing may be necessary in order to determine the cause and severity of the problem.

Benefits of Early Detection and Treatment of Hearing Loss

The sooner you detect hearing loss, the better. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further damage to your hearing and may even improve your current level of hearing. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the hearing loss, but they may include corrective devices such as hearing aids. Hearing aids are small electronic devices that fit in or behind your ear and amplify sound so that it’s easier for you to hear everyday conversations.

Complications from Untreated Hearing Loss

If a hearing loss goes undetected and untreated, it can lead to a variety of complications. Those with mild or moderate hearing loss may experience difficulty understanding conversations in noisy areas or have trouble following multiple speakers at once. People with severe hearing loss may struggle to understand speech at all, even when the speaker is close by. Untreated hearing loss can also lead to depression, social isolation, anxiety and an overall decrease in quality of life.

Guidelines for Scheduling Hearings Tests

It’s recommended that everyone get a baseline hearing test in their twenties or thirties and follow up with regular screenings every three to five years if you do not have hearing loss. If you work in a loud environment or have certain medical conditions that put you at risk of developing hearing loss, be sure to speak to your hearing instrument specialist about getting tested more frequently. With early detection and treatment, you can help preserve your hearing health for years to come!

Types of Tests Used in Auditory Evaluations

There are several types of tests used in auditory evaluations. These include pure-tone testing, which measures the softest level you can hear for tones at different frequencies; speech reception threshold testing, which determines how well you understand spoken words and tympanometry, which measures the movement of your eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. Depending on your particular condition and needs, your HIS may recommend one or more of these tests during an evaluation.

Resources for Learning More About Hearing Screenings

If you would like to learn more about hearing screenings, there are a variety of resources available. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides information on the types of tests used in auditory evaluations, as well as tips for scheduling and preparing for your appointment. Additionally, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders offers informational brochures on different types of hearing loss and treatments. With a bit of research and preparation, you can ensure that your hearing test goes smoothly and accurately!

Getting regular hearing screenings is an important part of maintaining good health. Early detection and treatment of any hearing problems can help preserve your current level of hearing and prevent further damage down the road. To learn more about Hear More Medical Centers of America and our services, give us a call today at (352) 877-9243.