Why I Love My Great GP

Hello, my name is Cindy. I live in the suburbs of Sydney with my family. Although I would occasionally visit the doctor when I was feeling too good or if one of the children had a cold. However, my whole view on doctors changed when I found a lump on breast last year. I went to my GP in a panic, but he was a real sweetie. He calmed me down and explained he would refer me for a further investigation. Thankfully, they caught my cancer early and after some treatment, I made a full recovery. Since this close call, I have taken a keen interest in everything health related.

When Should You Start Having Hearing Tests?

Health & Medical Blog

Your hearing is something you may take for granted. As you start ageing, hearing loss happens gradually, which means you may begin to adapt to the loss before you realise something is wrong. Fortunately, knowing more about when you should start tests and the symptoms that should prompt the testing process will allow you to acquire hearing aids that make life easier.

Begin your hearing tests at the age of 60

If you're over the age of 60 and you're yet to have a hearing test, now's the time to start. Most people have some hearing loss at this age, even if they're not beginning to notice the signs. After this stage, you should repeat the test every two years. Testing at this stage and at regular intervals allows you to prevent some of the negative impacts of hearing loss, such as poor communication and social isolation. If your doctor or audiologist detects any changes, they can introduce a hearing aid that will maximise your current capabilities.

Look out for the signs of hearing loss

Those over the age of 60 aren't the only individuals who suffer from hearing loss. Hearing loss is a bigger concern in those who are younger, but in many cases it is simple to manage. Signs you may want to look out for include the following:

  • Feeling those who are around you are mumbling
  • Not being able to hear well in noisy places and in crowds
  • Needing to play your music or TV louder than usual
  • Not noticing everyday sounds, such as a car approaching
  • Tinnitus, which is a constant ringing sound in your ear

Should you begin to notice such signs, approach your family doctor. They can perform simple tests such as a whisper test or through using a tuning fork to determine changes in your hearing that warrant a referral to an audiologist.

Noticing hearing problems in your children

While it's sometimes easy to notice changes in your own hearing, children aren't so easy to manage. Your child should have tests throughout their childhood as part of their regular developmental checks. However, should you notice your child is inattentive, unable to follow instructions, or mispronouncing words, you may wish to talk to your family doctor. Another sign is slow progress in school, which can arise as a result of being unable to hear their teachers and peers.

In addition to getting to the bottom of your hearing problems, your audiology team can perform hearing aid repairs and new fittings. With regular attention, you can achieve a level of hearing that makes day-to-day life simpler. 

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28 June 2017