Approximately 40% of adults in Canada aged 20 to 79 have experienced hearing loss; however, many are unaware. Hearing loss can be due to genetics, aging, prolonged damage due to noise exposure, illness, and other reasons. 

Scheduling a hearing assessment with a local audiologist can help diagnose hearing problems and provide knowledge on the best types of management options that are available.

How often should your hearing be tested? We’re glad you asked. 

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of hearing tests and how frequently you should get them done. 

How Often Should Your Hearing Be Tested?

Experts suggest you should get your hearing checked every 2 years if you’re 60 and older. Hearing tests should be conducted once a year if hearing loss has been detected. 

Choose a registered audiologist that can address your hearing concerns. Find an audiologist in your Edmonton area that is certified.

What Happens During a Hearing Test?

The hearing test will generally take place in a soundproof booth. You will wear earphones and repeat words presented at different volumes. You will also be required to listen to very soft beeping sounds and indicate if you could hear them in both ears. The audiologist will track your results to see if your hearing sensitivity falls within normal range, or if you struggle to hear certain sounds.

The results will be displayed on an audiogram, and this will allow your audiologist to describe the degree of hearing loss and make appropriate recommendations.

How to understand your test results?

Knowing about different types of hearing loss may help you better understand the results of your hearing assessment.

There are three types of hearing loss: Sensorineural hearing loss, Conductive hearing loss and Mixed hearing loss.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by problems with the inner ear (cochlea) and/or the auditory nerve. It is typically known as ‘permanent’ hearing loss. There is no medical or surgical solution for sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing aids or another form of assistive listening devices are usually recommended.

Common causes of sensorineural hearing loss include genetics, head injury, bacterial meningitis, medications (e.g., cancer treatments), pregnancy/birth problems, aging and noise exposure, etc.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems with the outer- and/or middle-ear. It may be permanent or temporary, and may fluctuate in severity. Conductive hearing loss may also be medically/surgically manageable. Management of conductive hearing loss may include referral to an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist, hearing aids or other forms of assistive listening devices.

Common causes of conductive hearing loss include (but are not limited to) wax or foreign objects in the ear canal, a hole/perforation in the eardrum, infection of the outer ear, infection of the middle-ear, broken middle-ear bones, narrow or closed ear canal from birth, etc.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss has mixture of both sensorineural and conductive components to hearing loss. It results from damage to both the outer/middle ear as well as the inner ear/nerve.

Take Care of Your Hearing

Now that you understand more about your hearing, consider scheduling a hearing assessment.

If you’re over 60 years old it is recommended to have your hearing assessed once every 2 years. For individuals with diagnosed hearing loss a hearing assessment is typically recommended annually.

Hearing loss is not just an age-related problem. If you feel you are having hearing difficulties, we encourage you to book a hearing assessment. This will allow you to proactively manage your hearing health, which could include scheduling regular wax removal, setting up physician referrals, or benefiting from trial with a hearing aid or amplification device.

If you have been looking for a certified audiologist in Edmonton, Wild Rose Audiology can help. Take the time to contact us online today or give us a call at (780)447-3881 to book an appointment.