Routine Hearing Testing Is Important

By Briana Horgan, AuD

Hearing Professionals Inc.

. http://www.hearing-professionals.com/

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Routine Hearing Testing Is Important

Typically our health care includes an annual physical, dental and vision check-up. Adding an annual hearing evaluation not only contributes to our overall health, but also acts as a precautionary measure for further hearing impairment.

While hearing loss is typically a gradual process, it can also occur suddenly. For many individuals, a decrease in hearing may not be noticeable for months or even years. Completing a comprehensive hearing test on an annual basis allows you to understand your hearing levels and assess any changes. An audiologist is a hearing health care professional and will work with you to explain your test results.

A baseline test is a first step to maintaining your hearing health. Even if you feel your hearing is within the normal range a baseline test will serve as reference if and when your hearing suddenly changes. Your hearing levels can be compared following each annual test and is essential for reporting at which point a change in your hearing occurred. Your audiologist will be better able to make the appropriate recommendations based on your results.

Your baseline test is particularly important in the presence of a sudden hearing loss and/or sudden onset of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Sudden changes in your hearing as well as sudden onset of tinnitus may be related, however not limited to, severe noise exposure, bacterial or viral infections, auto-immune disease or acoustic neuroma (tumor of the auditory nerve). If you are suspicious of a certain event resulting in a change in your hearing, your baseline test will help determine how much hearing loss has occurred.

Your baseline test is particularly important for any vestibular, or balance system changes. Your inner ear contains the cochlea, or your “hearing organ” as well as the semi-circular canals, also known as your “balance organ.” Hearing loss may be related to dizziness or disequilibrium symptoms and contribute to an overall vestibular diagnosis.

An annual hearing test is recommended for monitoring. Hearing loss can impact cognitive as well as social capacities. Changes in your hearing can affect not only you, but also the individuals around you.

An audiologist is trained to provide counseling regarding your hearing levels and what can be expected as you continue to communicate. A full comprehensive hearing evaluation requires that you respond to pure tonesat varying frequencies (pitch) as well as speech recognition testing. So obtain a baseline audiogram and discuss your current hearing levels with your audiologist.