Our poor ears are often last on the medical pecking order. If you wear glasses, you probably get your vision checked every year or so. You’ll generally see your GP several times a year and even the dentist gets a visit every six months.
But how often do you get your hearing tested? The frequency of your hearing tests depends on your age, your occupation and other risk factors.
Hearing tests for babies and children
In Ireland, one to two babies in every 1,000 are born with a hearing loss in one or both ears. All parents now have the opportunity to have their baby’s hearing tested shortly after birth. The test is provided free of charge, usually before leaving the hospital when the baby is settled or asleep at the mother’s bedside. It is carried out by a trained hearing screener and only takes a few minutes. It does not hurt the baby and the results of the hearing screen are available immediately.
The public health nurse will also check your toddler’s hearing and they will be checked again when they start primary school. However, it is important to observe your child for any signs of potential hearing loss.
Does your child:
- Turn up the volume of the TV excessively loud?
- Respond inappropriately to questions?
- Not reply when you call him/her?
- Watch others to imitate what they are doing?
- Have articulation problems or speech/language delays?
- Have problems academically?
- Complain of earaches, ear pain or head noises?
- Have difficulty understanding what people are saying?
- Seem to speak differently from other children his or her age?
While these signs don't necessarily mean that your child has a hearing problem, they could be indicators of one. If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, or if you suspect your child may have difficulty hearing, arrange a hearing test with a qualified peadiatric audiologist. Ideally, children would have their hearing checked annually.
Adults to age 50
Adults should have their hearing screened at least once every 10 years. More frequent screenings are necessary if there is job exposure to noise (construction, factories, manufacturing, bars), noisy hobbies (working with power tools or motors) or use of ototoxic drugs that can cause side effects that damage hearing. Even if protective devices are worn at work, hearing should be checked annually. Musicians should also have annual hearing screenings up to age 50.
Hearing test at 50
Why is hearing loss taken so seriously for children, but largely ignored by older adults? Both seniors and children need to be able to communicate. The fact is communication becomes increasingly important as we age.
Additionally, hearing loss is now being correlated to other health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia. With these new research developments, there is more reason than ever to get a hearing test.
At age 50, everyone should have a complete hearing exam. The incidence of hearing loss increases with age and unfortunately, many people live with hearing loss for five or more years before it is detected. Hearing loss is so gradual, you may not realise it is happening to you.
After the age of 50
After 50, have a hearing screening every year and a complete hearing test every three years. If friends or family are difficult to understand when they speak, or complain that you listen to the TV or radio too loudly, get a hearing test right away.
People with hearing loss often feel embarrassed and that they are coping with a condition that others can’t understand. They often try to bluff their way through situations and deny that there is a problem. Although there is overwhelming evidence that hearing aids can help, only one in five who need hearing aids actually use them. It has also been reported that individuals with hearing loss wait six to 10 years before they seek help, during which time the impact of hearing loss increases.
If you wear hearing aids
If you wear hearing aids, get them checked twice a year and have your hearing checked every three years. As your hearing changes, the programme settings on your hearing aids will need to be changed too.
Make an appointment today
Audiology Medical Services has dedicated adult and paediatric centres across the country. They provide an expert, comprehensive and family-friendly diagnostic audiological assessment of infants, children and adults.
For more information, or to book an assessment, visit www.audiologymedicalservices.ie or phone 1800 501 501.
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