The Importance of Regular Hearing Tests

Have you ever missed part of a conversation because you couldn't quite catch what someone said? Hearing changes can happen so gradually that we often don't notice them until they've significantly affected our daily lives. At Family Audiology and Hearing Centers, we see this happen frequently with new patients who wish they'd come in sooner.

Why Hearing Tests Matter

Our hearing naturally changes as we age. Unlike a sudden toothache or blurry vision, hearing loss typically develops slowly over time. Many people don't realize they're missing sounds and words until the problem has advanced.

Regular hearing tests create a baseline of your hearing abilities, making it easier to spot changes early. They can also catch issues like earwax buildup or infections before they cause more significant problems.

Who Needs Regular Hearing Tests?

While everyone can benefit from hearing evaluations, some people should be especially vigilant:

• Adults over 50, as age-related hearing changes become more common
• People working around loud machinery, at construction sites, or in music venues
• Anyone noticing sudden changes in hearing ability
• Those who struggle to follow conversations, particularly in noisy settings
• Musicians who practice or perform regularly

What Actually Happens During a Hearing Test?

Many people avoid scheduling hearing tests because they're unsure what to expect. Our typical evaluation includes:

1. A conversation about your hearing concerns and medical history
2. A visual examination of your ears using an otoscope
3. Tests that measure how well you hear different pitches and volumes
4. Speech recognition assessments to check how well you understand words
5. Evaluations of how well you hear in noisy environments

The entire process is painless and usually takes about an hour.

When to Schedule Your Next Hearing Test

The right timing for your next hearing test depends on your age, risk factors, and current hearing status.

If you're under 50 with no hearing concerns or risk factors, a baseline test is good to have, with follow-ups every 3-5 years.

For adults over 50, we recommend testing every 1-3 years, even without noticeable problems.

If you already have hearing loss, yearly tests help track any changes.

Those exposed to loud noise at work should have annual tests to monitor for noise-induced hearing loss.

Red Flags That Shouldn't Wait

Don't wait for your regularly scheduled appointment if you notice:

• Turning up the TV volume higher than others prefer
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Finding phone conversations difficult
• Feeling tired after social gatherings from straining to hear
• Withdrawing from social activities because hearing is difficult
• Experiencing ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears

These signs warrant scheduling a hearing test right away.

Hearing Health and Overall Wellness

Your hearing health connects directly to your overall well-being. Research has linked untreated hearing loss to:

• Cognitive decline and increased dementia risk
• Social isolation and higher rates of depression
• Balance issues and increased fall risk
• Reduced quality of life and independence

By staying on top of your hearing health through regular tests, you're taking care of your brain health and emotional well-being too.

Today's Hearing Solutions

If your hearing test reveals you could benefit from hearing aids, you'll find today's options are dramatically different from those of even a few years ago.

Modern hearing aids like the Oticon Intent use 4D user-intent sensors that adapt to your movements and surroundings, helping you hear better in different situations. The device can tell when you're having a conversation versus when you're in motion, adjusting automatically to give you the best hearing experience.

The ReSound Vivia offers extended battery life—up to 30 hours on a single charge—along with AI-driven technology. Its microRIE design makes it nearly invisible when worn.

Signia IX models, including the Pure Charge&Go IX and Silk Charge&Go IX, offer rechargeable options with direct streaming from your phone. Their RealTime Conversation Enhancement helps your own voice sound natural to you, which many hearing aid wearers appreciate.

The Starkey Edge AI uses its G2 Neuro Processor to enhance speech clarity while reducing background noise. It's comfortable to wear all day and includes health tracking features.

At Family Audiology and Hearing Centers, we fit and program these advanced devices specifically for your unique hearing needs, ensuring you get the maximum benefit.

Real Ear Measurements: Our Commitment to Precision

At Family Audiology and Hearing Centers, we use Real Ear Measurements to ensure hearing aids work optimally for your specific ears. This scientific approach measures the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum while wearing hearing aids, allowing us to make precise adjustments tailored to your unique hearing needs and ear canal shape.

Many hearing centers skip this critical step, but we believe it's essential for the best possible outcomes. Real Ear Measurements help us verify that your hearing aids deliver exactly what you need across all sound frequencies.

Your Next Step for Better Hearing

Don't wait until hearing difficulties affect your relationships and quality of life. Many of our patients tell us they wish they'd addressed their hearing concerns sooner.

With 17 convenient locations across Ohio, we make it easy to prioritize your hearing health. Our team of audiologists and hearing specialists will guide you through the testing process and help you understand your results.

Contact Family Audiology and Hearing Centers today to schedule your hearing test. Early detection gives you more options and typically leads to better outcomes. Take the first step toward better hearing and stay connected to the people and sounds that matter most to you.