{"id":6756,"date":"2019-11-27T10:30:53","date_gmt":"2019-11-27T17:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arizonahearing.com\/?p=6756"},"modified":"2022-06-07T12:40:16","modified_gmt":"2022-06-07T19:40:16","slug":"when-should-i-have-my-hearing-tested","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arizonahearing.com\/when-should-i-have-my-hearing-tested\/","title":{"rendered":"When Should I Have My Hearing Tested?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Few people in Tucson think about their hearing very often\u2014unless they suddenly find themselves struggling to hear.<\/p>\n

The problem with hearing loss is, it can take a long time for any noticeable symptoms to appear; by then, your options for treatment may be limited, and you\u2019ll have a higher risk for some pretty serious negative health consequences.<\/p>\n

Hearing tests are the best way to detect a hearing impairment quickly. If you\u2019re wondering when you should have your hearing tested in the absence of any obvious symptoms, we can help enlighten you.<\/p>\n

A Practical Schedule for Hearing Exams<\/h2>\n

\"a<\/p>\n

With 48 million Americans experiencing hearing loss<\/a>, it\u2019s pretty obvious the condition is widespread. It actually ranks just below arthritis and heart disease as one of the most common chronic physical health concerns in the U.S. 20 percent of people in Tucson and across Arizona suffer hearing loss to some degree.<\/p>\n

What are the most common causes of hearing loss?<\/h3>\n

The causes of hearing loss<\/a> vary. Age, noise, disease and trauma top the list.<\/p>\n

Can hearing loss increase the risk of other conditions?<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to seek treatment for a hearing impairment<\/a> as soon as possible, otherwise you have a higher chance of developing a health complication such as depression, dementia or kidney disease<\/strong>. Your work may be affected, and relationships often suffer. Undiagnosed hearing loss will negatively impact your very quality of life.<\/p>\n

How does the brain respond to hearing loss?<\/h2>\n

Symptoms of hearing loss are often subtle and difficult to detect. That\u2019s because your brain steps up to the plate, \u201cborrowing\u201d resources from other key areas<\/strong> to assist in your hearing ability. The problem is, these areas include memory and concentration<\/strong>, which are important in their own right. Many studies have found a correlation between hearing loss and dementia for this very reason.<\/p>\n

How can you detect hearing loss?<\/h2>\n

Obviously, the sooner you are diagnosed with a hearing impairment, the better your long-term treatment chances. Hearing tests are the best way to detect hearing loss early<\/strong>. How often you should get your hearing tested depends on factors such as your age, whether or not you are experiencing any symptoms and any risk factors that you might have.<\/p>\n

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA<\/a>) recommends the following schedule.<\/p>\n

How often should you have your hearing tested?<\/h3>\n