How Often Should You Go for a Hearing Test?

Hearing tests are, simply put, the most effective to check and monitor your hearing health. Your audiologist can use them to find out your entire range of hearing, to diagnose if you have any hearing loss, and to recommend treatments if necessary.

Many of us will have gone through a hearing test as children, but when should you have one as an adult? Here, we’re going to look at how regularly you should see your audiologist for a hearing test, and what factors should see you making an appointment at any time.

Hearing tests for children

Hearing screenings are part of regular hearing health checkups for young children from the day that they are born. Unlike full-depth hearing tests, these are simple pass-fail tests. If you pass, then no further action is taking until the next routine hearing screening. If you fail, then it’s a good indication that you experience hearing loss, and a more comprehensive hearing test may be scheduled.

By the time we reach adulthood, hearing tests do not become mandatory. In fact, many doctors might not even recommend them as part of an annual physical. Next, we will look into how often you should go for a hearing test.

When should you have your hearing tested?

If you’re a healthy adult between the ages of 18-40, then you should have your hearing tested as part of your annual physical once every three to five years. However, there are certain people who should schedule a hearing test more frequently, including the following:

• Anyone over the age of 60: Is at a greater risk of developing age-related hearing loss. In fact, it affects one in every three people age 65 and over. As such, it’s recommended that hearing tests should become a part of your annual physical every year when you reach 60.
• Those who are exposed to loud noises frequently: Whether it be due to your workplace, hobbies or other environmental factors, are at an increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss. This affects people of all ages, but the more prolonged the exposure to loud noises and the louder the noises, the greater the chance of experiencing hearing losses. Have your hearing checked if you think a recent case of exposure has affected your hearing and, otherwise, have a test every year.
• Those with hearing loss: Might think that they don’t need to be diagnosed with it again. However, hearing loss is a progressive condition and it can get more severe with time. Annual testing is important to make sure that you’re aware of any future changes to your hearing and whether your treatment needs to be updated as a result.

If you think you’re experiencing hearing loss

Even if it’s not part of a routine check for your hearing health, there are sometimes you should go to see your audiologist for a hearing exam. Here are some of the signs you should make an appointment, regardless of whether you have had your hearing tested in the past year or so:

• You frequently ask people to repeat what they say: Difficulty hearing speech is one of the most common and clear signs of hearing loss. It might sound like everyone is mumbling or muffled and high-pitched voices in particular might be hard to hear.
• Noisy places make it even harder to hear: Environmental noise makes it harder to hear for everyone. However, for those with hearing loss, it can become very hard to hear. If you see you have more trouble holding conversations than others, this could be a sign of hearing loss.
• People complain about the volume of the TV/radio/speakers: It can be hard to notice that you have turned the volume up beyond the average person’s comfort levels. However, if others are complaining about it, it’s a good indication the problem isn’t the device but your hearing. You should be careful of turning up the volume on any earphones/headphones too, as this can cause or exacerbate hearing loss.

Essentially, if you experience any changes to your hearing or signs that you might have hearing loss, it’s best to get it checked out.

If you need to go for a hearing test, we can help

To learn more about hearing tests or to schedule an appointment for one, you can call Sommerville Audiology and Hearing Aid Center at 586-298-3788. Our team will be glad to address any questions and to find the time for a test that best suits your needs.