Why You Need a Hearing Test

A hearing test is a procedure in which a variety of screenings will provide information about whether or not you have any loss of ability to hear. Even if you never had a problem in the past with the inability to hear properly, it may still be a factor as you get older. Individuals who are otherwise healthy may not need to have this testing process done often, but it is in your best interest to have a screening of some sort done at least one time a year after age 45.

What's Changing?

What you may not realize is that as you get older, the function of some of your organs will change. This is why you get wrinkles in your skin and you notice your body slowing down in its physical ability to move. The same thing happens to each of the organs in your body. Things will just slow down. However, with the ears, the complications can result in the loss of the ability to hear. Specifically, the fibers, tissues and hairs located in the ear canal that work as receptors to convey sounds to the brain, stop working as well. They simply do not function as they used to. When this happens, it can lead to complications related to your ability to hear some types of sounds. Over time, this can worsen significantly.

When to Get a Test

There are many times when it is a good idea to get a hearing test. If you already have any type of limited ability to hear well, it is a good idea to constantly monitor your abilities to ensure you can react to them when there is a problem. In addition, most people should have a specialist look at their ears' structure as well as screen for any loss or limitations. This can be done every other year or so after you reach age 45 but once you reach age 65, you should be having it done more often. Those who already have some loss should monitor more often.

When you have a hearing test, you can learn if there is any decrease in your ability. That's why it is important to have testing like this on a consistent basis. Doctors are watching for any change in the pattern as this can indicate a change in your ability is occurring. When that does happen the doctor can then recommend the appropriate treatment for your needs. This may not be necessary at all. In other situations, you may benefit from having a device that can make sounds louder for you. In most cases, it is a good idea to find out if your ears are healthy and working the way they need to be.