Why Is A Hearing Test Important?

Nothing in this life is more important than your health. But while most people are happy to visit their general practitioner for an annual physical and checkup, a far smaller percentage of the population get their hearing checked on a regular basis. Given that over 50 million Americans experience some type of hearing loss, the importance of a hearing test cannot be overlooked any longer.

Visiting an audiologist for a professional and comprehensive hearing test should be a key feature of your approach to health checkups. Here are just some of the reasons why.

Early hearing loss detection reduces its impacts

While hearing loss is an issue that affects almost 20% of the population, millions of people continue to live their lives without the support they deserve. Mild to moderate hearing loss is a difficult condition to diagnose without professional examinations. After all, your friends and family can't tell that you're unable to detect the full range of sounds. Meanwhile, the gradual degeneration often goes unnoticed by you too.

A thorough hearing test can detect hearing loss before its impacts on your life become severe. With the right management in place, you will experience an array of benefits, including but not limited to:

• Regain the ability to communicate with friends, family and colleagues in an uninterrupted manner
• Slow further regression to keep your natural hearing at the best level it can be
• Prevent the neurological issues and cognitive declines that are linked to hearing loss
• Keep your safety in better condition while simultaneously boosting your self-confidence
• Gain a better understanding of your hearing loss and the lifestyle changes that may be required

Even when your hearing loss is mild, it must not go untreated. Early detection and management enable you to restore a sense of normality for the immediate and long-term future.

Hearing tests detect more than just hearing loss 

When visiting the audiologist, you won't only have your hearing examined. The audiologist can use a wide range of tests to identify a range of related health issues. The list includes but is not limited to:

• Signs of physical abnormalities to the ear structure
• Symptoms of tinnitus and the underlying issues connected to those problems
• The presence of Meniere's disease
• Damage to the cochlear hair cells within the ear
• Pitch ranges, as well as volume

The hearing test is, therefore, a significant health checkup that should be embraced by all. Despite a general misconception that hearing loss and related issues only impact the elderly, the stats show that up to 15% of children experience them. Whether it's direct hearing loss or one of the other conditions mentioned above, hearing tests are the best way to identify and treat problems at any stage of life.

Annual hearing tests can help you adjust to changing hearing profiles

Hearing tests aren't only designed to recognize and confirm hearing loss. They record the level and type of hearing loss experienced by the individual. Due to this fact, they are an essential part of the management strategy for anybody with known hearing issues.

The audiologist can track your hearing loss to identify any further regressions, providing assistance in a wide range of areas to prevent additional impacts on your life. Some of the most noticeable examples include:

• Recalibrating hearing aids or even suggesting an upgrade to a more suitable device
• Helping you find the right HATS technologies and accessories for added convenience
• Identifying the right ear defense features for use in the workplace and in recreational settings

Ultimately, hearing tests and the information provided by the audiologist are essential for gaining a deeper understanding of your hearing loss and finding a management solution that enables you to live your life without disruption.

Hearing tests offer peace of mind

If you believe that your hearing is perfectly healthy, it's easy to assume that you are exempt from needing a hearing test. On the contrary, you should still visit an audiologist every three years, or annually if you are over 65. Aside from keeping your hearing under control, it's the only way to truly gain peace of mind. Until you gain the all clear from a professional audiologist, you will always have the seed of doubt in your mind. You wouldn't allow yourself to experience issues with your heart, lungs, muscles or posture without visiting the appropriate medical expert. Ensuring that your hearing health gains the same level of attention is integral for your ongoing health and happiness. Do not forget it.

To learn more about the value of hearing tests and to book your appointment with a qualified audiologist in Arizona today, call Desert Hearing Care at (480) 374-1846!