A hearing test is a simple, easy process that takes little time. Many people wait until they experience difficulties with their hearing before they book a hearing test; however, research shows that having regular hearing tests is the more beneficial option for all adults. 

Whether or not you experience hearing loss or other symptoms in your ears, you should consider making your audiologist visits more frequent. In this blog we will explore why hearing tests are so important and how having them regularly can benefit your health in many ways!

How do hearing tests work?

A hearing test is a simple, non-invasive test that helps your audiologist to determine a few factors about your hearing levels and whether or not you need further help with your hearing. 

During the hearing test, your audiologist will:

  • Play a variety of sounds at different volumes and ask you to state truthfully whether you can hear the sound.
  • Play a variety of pitches, and once again will ask you whether or not you can hear the sound at a certain pitch.
  • They may also examine your ears.

This test takes no more than fifteen minutes, and can assist you in getting the hearing help that you deserve if you are experiencing hearing loss.

Once your audiologist has determined whether or not you are experiencing hearing loss, they can work with you on finding a solution. This might include having a hearing aid fitted and your audiologist will present you with a variety of options for this, including:

  • In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids: These hearing aids sit in the outer bowl, making them a subtle yet effective way of treating hearing loss. 
  • Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids: BTE hearing aids are more visible, but they can help those with more severe hearing loss. 
  • In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids: ITC hearing aids sit inside the ear canal itself and are best for treating mild hearing loss. ITC hearing aids are very subtle – they’re barely visible when in position!

Why do regular hearing tests help?

So why should you get a regular hearing test from an audiologist? Simply put, a regular hearing test can track the progress of your hearing as you go through life, making sure that you’re given the most valuable assistance every step of the day. Particularly if you have ever experienced hearing loss, seeing an audiologist regularly is crucial for your continued comfort. 

How often should you visit an audiologist?

There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should see your audiologist, but the average visit should be around every six months if you experience hearing loss. If not, you should still see an audiologist every few years. If you do experience sudden hearing loss, of course, you should book an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible to ensure fast treatment.

Regular hearing tests are essential for all adults who want to take care of their ears and their overall health.