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Have you visited your local hearing center this year? Many of us remember to schedule our annual checkup and visit our dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, but when it comes to taking care of our hearing health, most of us fall short. Wyatt Haney of Miracle-Ear recommends that most people get their hearing tested once a year. Although visiting your hearing center for hearing test is a good idea at any age, Haney says it’s particularly important to take care of your hearing as you grow older. “Once you turn 60-plus years old, it’s imperative because things change so quickly at that age,” he says.

Haney, who owns three Miracle-Ear hearing centers in Georgia, including locations in Valdosta, Tifton, and Albany, says that occupational noise exposure is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Loud noises, gunfire, machinery, and even things like keeping the TV on too loud can lead to hearing loss. Heredity, some medications, health conditions, and the aging process are other causes of hearing loss.

No matter the cause or amount of hearing loss, the good news is that most people can improve their hearing. One of the first steps toward better hearing is a visit to your local hearing center for a comprehensive hearing test. Haney says that all his Georgia Miracle-Ear hearing centers are equipped with the latest testing equipment, including video otoscopes, digital audiometers, and sound proof booths. This means it’s easy to get the most accurate and precise results.

Haney and his Miracle-Ear staff reach out to the community by participating in local community health fairs, senior expos, and visiting local nursing homes. Free screening is often a part of these outreach visits. Many people may not be aware of their hearing loss, so these visits make it possible to reach people who may otherwise not get the help they need.

Of course, free hearing tests are always available at all Miracle-Ear hearing centers. Haney says that if hearing loss runs in your family, it’s imperative that you take charge of your hearing health and address potential hearing problems by getting regular screening at an early age. This can greatly reduce the frustration of dealing with slowly deteriorating hearing.

If you’re tired of feeling frustrated with your hearing, or you want to discuss your hearing concerns with a hearing specialist, stop by your nearest Miracle-Ear hearing center. Just one visit can make a world of difference.