"Do I really need a hearing test every year?"

By Vicky Papaioannou, Educational Audiologist

Vicky Papaioannou,Educational Audiologist

You might have asked the question: "Do I really need to check my hearing every year?"

The answer is... "YES!"

Now, let me tell you why…

Healthy ears help to ensure a good quality of life, are critical for communication, and are important for making and maintaining relationships with others. Many people overlook their hearing health, especially if they do not feel like they are experiencing any challenges. A yearly hearing test allows you to track changes in your hearing and to make any necessary adjustments to your hearing aids or other hearing technology.

Hearing loss can develop slowly over time and it is difficult for people to notice gradual changes in their hearing. This is why it must be tested at least once a year. Each year, the hearing test results (audiogram) should be compared to previous ones. Ideally, this should be done at the same clinic each year. If hearing is tested at a new clinic, it is very important to bring copies of previous tests. Hearing loss may progress slowly over time so it is important to look back at the most recent test, but also to check even earlier results to ensure that changes have not occurred over time. These small changes will be near impossible to notice yourself. If a hearing change occurs, adjustments can be made to your hearing aid settings. If the reason for the change is unclear to you or to your audiologist, referrals can be made to specialists for further investigation. If hearing aid adjustments cannot be made, new stronger hearing aids can be prescribed or referrals can be made for surgical interventions such as cochlear implants. In the event that hearing improves, adjustments can also be made to hearing aids, including the possibility of no longer needing the hearing aids!

"Hearing loss can develop slowly over time and it is difficult for people to notice gradual changes in hearing. This is why it must be tested at least once a year. Each year, the hearing test results should be compared to previous ones."

Even people who have hearing loss but who are not currently using technology, or are using technology only at school or work, need to have an annual test. If hearing changes, it might mean that hearing aids or other assistive technologies are now necessary. There may also be new devices that are available that are better suited to your hearing needs even if it has remained the same. The only way to know these things is to test the hearing and to consult your audiologist who must always be learning about the latest developments in all applicable technology.

Sometimes changes in hearing can be related to things that are easily treated, such as wax build up. Even congestion due to a cold or an ear infection can have an impact on hearing. The audiologist should conduct a thorough examination of your ears and be able to discuss whether changes are likely to be temporary or more permanent and if a referral to a physician is necessary.

People with pre-existing hearing loss can be susceptible to things like noise exposure (damage to their hearing due to excessive loud noise) whether it is from a loud workplace or listening to very loud music over long periods of time. Certain medications can also cause hearing loss and people undergoing certain cancer treatments or people who have taken strong antibiotics like amikacin or gentamycin should have regular hearing tests. If you have had a long-term illness or head injury, you may also want to ensure that it has not affected your hearing.

The Importance of Yearly Hearing Aid Checks

Equally important to checking your hearing is checking to see how your hearing technology is working. Subtle changes in the loudness of your hearing aid due to a clogged microphone or hardened earmold tubing, for example, may be difficult to notice and will also impact your ability to hear. Most people do not detect subtle changes in their ability to hear without formal testing of their hearing and their hearing technology. Unlike our eyes, where it is obvious when we cannot see something, most people do not know when they are missing sounds in their daily lives.

Changes in hearing or how your hearing device is working can have a negative impact on your social, emotional, and physical health. It can impact your ability to learn at school or to communicate with your friends, family, or co-workers. It can increase how hard you need to work in order to hear and to understand speech. You may feel more tired and need more sleep than usual. Too little rest or sleep can interfere with school, work, social activities and even driving! It may mean that you have trouble learning, focusing, and reacting. It can affect your mood and leave you feeling frustrated, irritable, or anxious. It is linked to many chronic health problems including obesity and depression and can lead to a weakened immune system meaning that you are more likely to get sick.

"Subtle changes in the loudness of your hearing aid due to a clogged microphone or hardened earmold tubing, for example, may be difficult to notice and will also impact your ability to hear. Most people do not detect subtle changes in their ability to hear without formal testing of their hearing and their hearing technology... Changes in hearing or how your hearing device is working can have a negative impact on your social, emotional, and physical health."

On a more positive note, all of these things can be minimized or even prevented with annual hearing checks. Hearing technology is rapidly changing. Even audiologists have difficulty keeping up with the latest technology! As your life changes, your hearing needs also change. Your audiologist can provide information on what is new and what is available to help you to hear better at home, school, work or in other settings you find yourself. Knowledge is power so remember to check your hearing regularly!

Report abuse