When it comes to hearing loss, the person with the impairment is often the last to know. The human brain adapts when hearing fails, creating the perception in a patient that their hearing remains “normal,” even while those around them recognize the changes.
You can guard against this by scheduling a hearing screening. Unlike a complete hearing evaluation, a screening is a quick and simple way to monitor your ears. Think of it as a hearing checkup.
Consider Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates for any ear, nose, or throat concern, including hearing loss issues.
Coming up in May, it’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in the United States, a time to raise awareness for communication disorders. If you haven’t had your hearing checked, now is the ideal time to schedule a screening.
When you visit your doctor for an annual checkup, you won’t undergo a heart stress test or other specialized monitoring on the off chance of discovering a previously hidden health problem.
Instead, your physician reviews your history, checks your vital signs, and looks for hints of health changes. Advanced testing happens only when there’s a sign or elevated risk factor.
A hearing screening is the audiological version of a well visit with a family physician. It’s a pass/fail test designed to reveal the possibility of hearing loss.
When you fail a hearing screening, it’s then time to seek a full hearing evaluation.
This question has a short answer: Anyone who is unaware of their current hearing status. In practice, there are many times throughout a person’s life when a hearing screening could be useful.
Most hospitals screen the hearing of newborns, usually when they’re asleep or resting. The tests are simple, measuring responses of the child’s body or brain.
It’s possible that your baby might not pass the first test, but it doesn’t mean they have hearing loss. The screening is repeated before a need for further testing arises.
A common form of hearing screening is a pure-tone test. The patient wears headphones and raises their hand when they hear a beep, usually using a range of frequencies across the audible spectrum. You may recall having such a test every few years when you were in school, and the practice continues today.
If you haven’t had a hearing screening or evaluation in a few years and you’re wondering if your hearing has changed, a screening is a good way to determine if further testing is necessary.
Go informed into this year’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. Contact Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates in Lawrence or Ottawa for any concerns about your ears and hearing. Request an appointment online or by phone today.
