Getting a hearing test if you are not experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus, might seem unnecessary – but there are plenty of good reasons to plan ahead. In this article we will suggests several situations where a hearing test could be beneficial, even for individuals with normal hearing.
The Baseline Evaluation Hearing Test
Getting a baseline hearing test when your hearing is normal will provide a reference point for future comparisons. If you experience any changes in your hearing later, having this baseline can help healthcare professionals identify and address any issues more effectively.
Here are 6 reasons why a baseline hearing test would be beneficial:
Accidents Happen – Insurance Purposes
Following a an accident such as a car accident where head trauma has occurred. Even if there are no immediate signs of hearing loss or other auditory issues, it's essential to consider the potential impact of head trauma on hearing health. Head injuries sustained during a car accident can sometimes result in damage to the auditory system, leading to hearing loss or other auditory symptoms. Therefore, obtaining a hearing test after a car accident, especially if there was significant impact or head trauma involved, then comparing it to a baseline hearing test will help establish if there has been any immediately observable hearing loss. With the baseline and post accident tests serving as reference points for monitoring any changes in hearing, early intervention is possible if any issues arise because of the accident. Additionally, insurance claims for hearing related injuries become much easier to manage with the pre-accident base line hearing test.
Tinnitus may also be worsened from an accident and having it recorded as a medical issue before hand will help with any insurance claim and treatment.
Before Initiating Long-term Medication
Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin, have the potential to cause hearing loss or other auditory issues as a side effect. If someone is about to start a medication regimen known to have ototoxic effects, having a baseline hearing test can help monitor their hearing health throughout the course of treatment. If any changes in hearing occur, healthcare professionals can intervene promptly to minimize further damage or explore alternative treatment options.
Occupational or Environmental Exposure
If you work in a noisy environment or are regularly exposed to loud noises, such as in construction, manufacturing, or music industries, it's a good idea to have periodic hearing tests to monitor for any signs of noise-induced hearing loss, even if your hearing is currently normal. While some employers require it, others do not. When it comes to insurance claims having documented good hearing prior to beginning work is key to any future claims.
Polo Park Hearing Centre offers custom ear plugs moulded to the shape of your ear for all day comfort.
Preventive Care
Regular check-ups, including hearing tests, are part of overall preventive healthcare. Just as you might undergo regular vision screenings or dental check-ups, having your hearing evaluated periodically can help ensure that any changes are detected early, allowing for prompt intervention if needed.
Hearing loss can be symptom of a significant medical condition.
Age-Related Changes
While you may have normal hearing now, hearing tends to decline gradually with age. Periodic hearing tests as you get older can help monitor for age-related changes in your hearing and allow for early intervention if any issues arise.
Hearing loss is insidious and the person suffering it is the last one to notice.
Family History
If you have a family history of hearing loss or other auditory conditions, you may be at a higher risk for developing similar issues yourself. In such cases, regular hearing tests can help monitor your hearing health more closely.
Book A Hearing Test
Overall, while a hearing test may not be immediately necessary if you have normal hearing and no symptoms of hearing loss, there are still situations where it will be beneficial for monitoring your hearing health and detecting any changes early on. It's a good idea to discuss with your healthcare provider whether periodic hearing tests are recommended for you based on your individual circumstances and risk factors. If nothing else, don’t you want to know your hearing health is good? To book a hearing test, contact our friendly staff at the Polo Park Hearing Centre by calling (204) 788-1083 or use the form online. Thanks for reading!
