How Often Should You Get a Hearing Test? Age, Risk Factors, and More

Hearing loss is a common but often overlooked health concern that can significantly impact quality of life. Regular hearing tests are essential for early detection and prevention of further hearing decline. However, many people are unsure how often they should have their hearing evaluated.

Hearing test recommendations vary based on age, medical history, occupational exposure, and lifestyle factors. This guide will help you determine the right hearing screening frequency for your needs and explain why routine hearing tests are a crucial part of overall health.

How Often Should You Get a Hearing Test? General Recommendations

Children and Newborns

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all newborns receive a hearing screening before leaving the hospital.

• Newborns: Should have their hearing tested within one month of birth. If any issues arise, a follow-up test should be completed by three months of age.
• Children (Ages 3-6): Hearing should be tested during routine pediatric visits or before starting school.
• School-Age Children: Hearing screenings are typically conducted in kindergarten, first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth grades, but parents should request a test sooner if they notice any concerns.

Adults (Ages 18-40)

For most adults with no history of hearing problems, a baseline hearing test at age 18 is recommended. After this, hearing screenings should be conducted at least once every 10 years unless risk factors are present.

Risk factors that may require more frequent hearing tests include:

• Frequent exposure to loud noise (concerts, construction, military service)
• A family history of early-onset hearing loss
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases that can impact hearing

Adults (Ages 40-60)

Hearing loss becomes more common in middle age, so experts recommend hearing tests every 3-5 years for adults over 40. Studies show that 1 in 5 adults in this age group has some degree of hearing loss, even if it is mild.

If you begin to experience difficulty hearing conversations, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or frequently increasing the volume on devices, you should schedule a hearing test sooner.

Seniors (Ages 60 and Older)

Hearing loss significantly increases after the age of 60. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that approximately 50% of people over 75 have hearing impairment.

• Hearing test recommendations for seniors: Every 1-2 years, even if no noticeable symptoms are present.
• Why? Many seniors experience gradual hearing loss and do not realize they are missing sounds until it becomes severe. Early detection allows for better treatment options.

Who Needs More Frequent Hearing Tests? High-Risk Groups

1. People with Occupational Noise Exposure

Workers in construction, aviation, manufacturing, and entertainment are regularly exposed to loud noises that can cause gradual hearing damage. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires annual hearing tests for individuals in noisy job environments.

Recommendation: If you work in a high-noise environment, you should have a hearing test every year to monitor for early signs of damage.

2. Individuals with a History of Ear Infections or Ear Surgery

Chronic ear infections, ruptured eardrums, or previous ear surgeries can increase the risk of hearing loss. If you have a history of these conditions, you should have your hearing tested every 1-2 years to track any changes.

3. People with Medical Conditions Linked to Hearing Loss

Certain health conditions can contribute to hearing decline, including:

• Diabetes: Studies show that diabetics are twice as likely to develop hearing loss.
• High blood pressure: Poor circulation can affect the blood supply to the inner ear.
• Heart disease: Cardiovascular problems are associated with an increased risk of hearing damage.

Recommendation: If you have any of these conditions, schedule a hearing test every 1-2 years.

4. People with a Family History of Hearing Loss

If hearing loss runs in your family, you may be at a higher genetic risk. Those with a family history of early-onset or age-related hearing loss should have hearing screenings more frequently, beginning in their 40s or sooner if symptoms appear.

Signs You Need a Hearing Test Now

Even if you are not in a high-risk category, certain symptoms indicate it’s time for a hearing evaluation. If you experience any of the following, schedule a hearing test as soon as possible:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Struggling to hear conversations in noisy environments
• Turning up the volume on TVs, radios, or phones more than others find comfortable
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (birds chirping, doorbells, alarms)
• Avoiding social situations because hearing is challenging
• Feeling like others are mumbling even when speaking clearly

The earlier hearing loss is detected, the more options are available for treatment, including hearing aids, medical management, and lifestyle adjustments to protect remaining hearing.

What to Expect During a Hearing Test

If you have never had a hearing test or it has been many years, you may wonder what the process entails. A standard hearing evaluation includes:

1. Medical and Lifestyle History: A discussion about symptoms, noise exposure, and health conditions.
2. Physical Ear Examination: The specialist will check for earwax buildup, infections, or structural issues that may be affecting your hearing.
3. Hearing Tests:
   • Pure-tone audiometry: Identifies the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies.
   • Speech recognition tests: Measures how well you understand words in quiet and noisy settings.
   • Tympanometry: Tests how your eardrum responds to sound and pressure changes.
4. Results and Recommendations: If hearing loss is detected, your specialist will discuss treatment options, including hearing aids, protective strategies, and further medical evaluation if necessary.

Schedule Your Hearing Test at El Dorado Hearing in Tucson

Hearing loss can develop gradually, making regular testing essential for early detection and effective treatment. If you are due for a hearing test or experiencing signs of hearing decline, El Dorado Hearing in Tucson offers comprehensive hearing evaluations tailored to your needs.

Don’t wait until hearing loss affects your daily life. Contact El Dorado Hearing today to schedule your professional hearing test and take the first step toward better hearing health.