You still consult with the eye doctor once a year if you have glasses, right? Because your eyes change with time. As a matter of fact, no part of your body is static, your eyes aren't and, the reality is, neither are your ears. That's why even once you get hearing aids, you have to keep having your ears tested just like you do with your eyes.

Unfortunately, many people miss those regular checkups. It's possible they've been too busy making the most of their lives to get back in to see the doctor. Or perhaps lately, work has been stressful. Or it's possible you've just been so happy with your hearing aids that you haven't had a reason to go back in. That seems like it should be a good thing, right?

Over time, for people with hearing loss, it is even more relevant to have even one follow-up appointment. However, a great number of people neglect ongoing care. According to one survey, only 33% of seniors with hearing aids also used regular hearing services.

Once You Have Hearing Aids, is it Really Necessary to go Back For Checkups?

Your hearing is dynamic. It changes over time. When these changes happen, you should modify your hearing aids to compensate. Occasional testing helps monitor any variations in hearing and discover problems early.

It may be a good plan to have frequent hearing exams for other reasons too. Some of the most prevalent reasons to assure you show up to your next checkup include:

  • Calibrating Hearing Aids: Although your overall hearing health might continue to be stable, small changes in your hearing may produce the need for yearly calibration of your hearing aid. Without this calibration, your hearing aids might slowly become less and less reliable.
  • Hearing deterioration: Even if you use a hearing aid, your hearing could continue to deteriorate. If this deterioration is slow enough, you likely won't recognize it's occurring without the assistance of a hearing test. Appropriate alterations to your hearing aids can often slow hearing declines.
  • Your fit may change: How the hearing aid fits in your ears will change due to the continual change in your ear. Regular exams can help assure that your hearing aids keep fitting the way they're made to.

Besides tracking changes in your hearing, it's essential to periodically have a professional cleaning. We can clean all the small components and keep your hearing in top notch conditions and make sure it's functioning at it's best performance.

If You Don't Follow up With Regular Examinations There is a Consequence

If you get frustrated with your hearing aids, say because they don't work the way you thought they would, you may just discontinue using them and that would be a problem. Hearing aids make your all-around health better and also, of course, makes your hearing better. You might not recognize it right away, but your hearing may deteriorate quicker if you stop wearing your hearing aids. Untreated hearing loss has been associated with many health issues such as mental decline and a greater chance of accidents.

If you want your hearing aids to keep working at an optimal level, normal exams are going to be your best bet in terms of achieving that. Annual hearing assessments or screenings can help you make sure your hearing aids are working as they should and that your hearing is safeguarded. So now it's time to make your hearing appointment.