When you got your first hearing test, your results were likely presented to you on an audiogram. This is a chart or graph that plots your hearing thresholds across various frequencies.
Audiograms are “a powerful tool for determining the cause of hearing loss” and offer great assistance to audiologists and hearing specialists when it comes to identifying the best treatment options.
However, your first audiogram should not be your last. Changes can occur over time which makes it necessary to get another hearing test. Let’s examine some of the questions you should ask yourself to determine when it’s the right time for you.
Four Questions To Determine Whether or Not To Schedule a New Hearing Test
- Has it been over five years since your last test? If so, you may be due for a new audiogram. Not only is possible that your hearing needs have changed since your last test, but your hearing aids might be lacking the newest technology. These technological advancements can help give you the best personalized listening experience based on your individual needs and preferences.
- Have you experienced a change in health? Certain conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, have the potential to cause additional hearing loss if they cause damage to the blood vessels in the inner ear. Other conditions or medications taken to manage certain illnesses can affect hearing as well. Let your audiologist know if you have experienced a change in health to see if they recommend coming in for another evaluation.
- Any changes at work or home? Your listening environment plays a role in your hearing needs. If you have switched to an office with different acoustics or more employees, your needs may be different than when you were working in a quiet home office. Additionally, if you have moved or have more people living with you, these changes could affect the strength of hearing aid you need.
- Does your hearing seem worse? If it feels as though your hearing aids aren’t helping you pick up speech as well when you’re out at the grocery store or chatting with the barista at SmartWorld Coffee, make an appointment with your audiologist. It could be a problem with your device, or it could also mean that you need a change in settings or stronger amplification now than you did when you last had an audiogram.
Staying on Top of Your Hearing Loss
If you are using outdated hearing aids or ones that don’t meet your current needs, you aren’t getting the most from your device. This makes it harder to converse with others and feel connected to the world around you.
Ensuring you have the right pair of hearing aids to maximize your listening ability is an investment in your health and quality of life. If you feel like it’s time to schedule an appointment for a new audiogram, call the experts at Speech & Hearing Associates today.