When To Schedule A Hearing Evaluation

If you feel like you’ve been losing your hearing as you get older, you’re not alone. Hearing loss and hearing impairment become increasingly common with age; by age 65, one out of every three people has some degree of hearing loss. Aging and natural loss of hearing aren’t the only potential causes of hearing impairment, however. Here are a few common signs you should be scheduling a hearing evaluation, especially if you’re still young.

• Genetic factors: If you’re aware of a blood relative with some degree of hearing loss, there’s a chance that you could be predisposed to this issue as well. However, this will vary depending on the cause of your relative’s hearing loss. If it was due to an injury or other environmental cause, it can’t be passed down to you. If you’re unsure, it’s best to schedule a hearing evaluation just in case.
• Environmental issues: Depending on your lifestyle, you could be putting yourself at risk for hearing loss. This is why many jobs require hearing protection – anyone working in especially loud environments is more likely to experience hearing loss as a result. A hearing evaluation could help you determine how far your hearing loss due to your job or other environment has progressed.
• Damage and injury: Many young people, such as athletes, have specific injuries that cause their hearing loss directly. The injury itself might not always involve the ear, either. Certain types of head trauma, particularly those that affect areas of the brain where sound is processed, can lead to hearing loss. Evaluation, in these cases, can help assess the damage done and determine the best path moving forward.
• Premature hearing loss: Sometimes, hearing loss can simply be a symptom of another existing health condition. This is particularly true in younger patients, who would otherwise still have healthy hearing. A hearing evaluation can help catch other issues early on by identifying potential causes.

Hearing evaluations, when used properly, can help you protect your hearing both in the short term and in the years to come. For more information about hearing tests or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, contact Bluegrass Hearing Clinic today.