Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

It’s Important to Get a Hearing Test

Wondering why you should get a hearing test? Hearing tests are the best way to monitor your hearing health. Getting regular hearing tests will help you notice as soon as you have any changes in your hearing, and you’ll be able to treat your hearing loss as soon as possible.

But Wouldn’t I Notice If I Had Hearing Loss?

Here’s what we’ve discovered: The person with hearing loss usually isn’t the first person to notice they have hearing loss. If your hearing is gradually changing, you may not notice the small changes right away. Instead, it’s your family and friends who may notice your hearing loss first.

Your loved ones may comment that you’re mishearing them, that you ask them to repeat themselves, or that you’re not hearing soft sounds in the environment, like someone speaking in another room, or the kids playing outside.

How Often Should I Get a Hearing Test?

How often you get your hearing tested often depends on your age, your exposure to loud noise, or if you currently have hearing loss.

Children and teens: Most children get their first hearing test when they’re newborns. Regular hearing checkups during early childhood and school are also common. If you notice any changes in your child’s hearing, book a hearing test right away.

Adults between 18 and 50: According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), you should get your hearing checked at least once every 5 to 10 years. If you notice any changes to your hearing health, you should book a hearing test immediately.

Adults often exposed to very loud noise: If you work in a noisy profession you should have regular hearing tests. Daily noise exposure puts you at a much higher risk of hearing loss. Those at risk of noise-induced hearing loss include people working noisy jobs like construction, farming, manufacturing, law enforcement, or music. Adults who have loud hobbies and leisure activities like hunting, clubbing, or riding motorcycles are also at risk of hearing loss. Adults frequently exposed to loud noise should have their hearing tested at least once every year.

Adults between 50 and 65: Are you in your 50s or early 60s? As you get a bit older, you have an increased risk of age-related hearing loss. It’s a good idea to start monitoring your hearing health more closely. Hearing loss can start in your 50s, so be on the lookout for any signs of hearing loss. We recommend getting your hearing checked every 3 years, or whenever you notice any changes in your hearing.

Adults over age 65: If you’re over age 65, you should be getting a hearing test every year. Age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis, can start in your 50s, so by the time you’re in your mid-60s, you should be testing your hearing annually.

Adults with hearing loss: Do you have hearing loss? If you already have hearing loss, you might think you don’t need a hearing test. However, your hearing can keep changing over time. Annual hearing tests will help you monitor your hearing loss. As soon as you discover any changes in your hearing health, we can recalibrate your hearing aids to match your hearing loss. When your hearing aids are properly programmed you’ll be able to hear clearly. This improves your quality of life, helps you hear all the sounds around you, and can prevent rapid hearing loss or cognitive decline.

How to Schedule a Hearing Test

Booking a hearing test is easy. Contact us to schedule a hearing test with one of our hearing health specialists. Hearing tests are completely non-invasive and painless, and hearing tests usually take less than an hour. Get a hearing test and find out more about your hearing today.