Hearing Center - Getting Yearly Evaluations

Every year, a person should visit a hearing center for an evaluation. Most people can't remember the last time they underwent this type of assessment. Unfortunately, this could be part of the reason that loss in a person's ability to hear often goes undetected. Whether you feel like you need an appointment or not, a yearly evaluation can be beneficial. Why once a year? Believe it or not, the ear and your ability to hear can actually change in the course of a year. Sometimes, the changes are minimal and you may hardly notice. Other times, the change is drastic. But, because you continue on with life, you may not notice the change and just assume that this is part of the aging experience. In reality, this is not always the case. You are never too young or too old to visit a hearing center at least once a year. This will give you a baseline to use as a comparison from one year to the next to see if things have gotten worse or stayed the same. What information will I receive? At the hearing center, a professional will take you through the steps to assess your ability to hear soft and loud noises, in addition to different tones and voices. At the end of the test, you will receive information about how you did and how it compares to the ideal. The test lets you know whether or not you have a problem, and it also lets you know exactly where the problem lies. This is helpful when you go to pick out new equipment. You should still go into a hearing center for your yearly test even if you are currently using and wearing aids. It will let you know if you need to make any adjustments. The appointment and test can also let you know if it is time to upgrade your equipment. At the same time, make sure that you get a thorough equipment cleaning to make the appointment even more worth the time. Where should I go? You need to choose a local hearing center that you feel comfortable with. You want to see someone that is licensed and considered to be an expert in the field. An audiologist will be able to provide you with the best information about your situation and your available solutions. If you already have aids, you may choose to go to the same location that you have been to in the past, as they will have all of your records and information already. Check your calendar to see when you last scheduled an appointment. If it has been a year or more, it is time to call and set up an assessment at a local facility. A professional can provide you with valuable information.