Do You Need a Hearing Test?
While many adults think that hearing loss is a problem that occurs later in life, the truth is that hearing problems can begin to develop much earlier in life. Hearing loss is a common problem caused by loud noise, aging, ear disease, and genetic abnormalities. About one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age.
Having regular hearing exams will allow you and your healthcare provider to discover any healing loss sooner, uncover any physical and medical issues you may not have known about, and create a plan to prevent any further damage.
How often should you have your hearing tested?
“All adults should periodically have their hearing checked,” says Hossein Mahboubi MD, otolaryngologist or ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist) at the PIH Health Downey Medical Office Building. “Most doctors recommend hearing screenings every year as a part of the annual physical exam. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends adults have an audiogram every 10 years until age 50, then every three years thereafter. Hearing tests should be done even if you have no signs of hearing loss. If you do have signs of hearing loss, you may need more frequent hearing exams.”
If hearing loss is discovered during a screening, you may be referred to an audiologist, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist), otologist or otolaryngologist for further testing or treatment.
Schedule a Hearing Test Today if You Have These Symptoms of Hearing Loss
It can be easy to overlook the health of your hearing, especially if you’re not experiencing any troubling symptoms. However, if you are experiencing any of the following, it may be a good idea to get your hearing tested:
- Trouble hearing the TV or radio at levels that are loud enough for others
- Struggling to follow conversations in crowded or noisy settings
- Leaning toward people when they speak
- Frequently asking “what” or “huh” in conversation
- Complaining about people mumbling, talking too fast or not speaking clearly
- Finding it hard to make out words of songs on the radio or dialogue in movies
- Work in a noisy environment
- Have ringing in your ears
- Feeling of fullness in your ears
Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of hearing loss. To find a PIH Health ENT specialist near you, visit PIHHealth.org/ENT.
