At what age should someone have their hearing evaluated?

Hearing should be checked anytime one feels that they are not hearing well, and it is very important to have your hearing checked if you have a sudden hearing loss! People that experience sudden hearing loss should be seen by an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) physician right away to prevent or halt permanent loss.

Nowadays infants are screened after they are born and before they leave the hospital. Children usually have their hearing screened while they are in school. Parents of homeschooled children should have their children’s hearing screened during their early development years. Children are prone to having ear infections, which can cause poor hearing and a delay in learning. It is important for their language and learning development to hear well. Chronic ear infections should be monitored and treated by a physician.

Now let’s discuss adults. I meet many adults in their 80s that have never had a hearing test. We know that one out of three adults experiences hearing loss by the age of 65.

If you are 65 or older and have not had a hearing test you should have your hearing evaluated. Hearing loss is a disability that tends to creep up on us gradually. It can happen so slowly that we don’t realize it is happening. Some people say that everyone mumbles but it is really their own poor hearing. Since it is such a gradual thing it is very common for people who do not hear well to be in denial of the problem. Hearing loss can cause depression and isolation for many seniors. Hearing well is important for one's overall health and quality of life.

Your spouse, family and friends want to be able to communicate with you. For most healthy adults I would recommend a baseline audiogram around your 65th birthday, or earlier if at any time you feel that you are not hearing as well as usual!

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Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 17 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d’Alene. (208) 664-2767.

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