Hearing loss is incredibly common and can affect anyone at any age. An estimated 48 million people have hearing loss in the United States alone1. Hearing health is often overlooked until a noticeable issue arises, but regular hearing tests are just as important as routine dental cleanings or physical checkups. Knowing how often to get your hearing tested can help catch hearing loss early, minimizing the impact it can have on your quality of life.
In this guide, we outline how often you should have your hearing checked based on your age, lifestyle, and overall health.
General Recommendations for Hearing Tests by Age
Monitoring your hearing health is vital at every stage of life, from infancy to adulthood. Regular hearing tests help catch issues early, even if you don’t notice any immediate problems. However, certain signs and symptoms may indicate it’s time to schedule a hearing exam sooner rather than later.
Some common symptoms of hearing loss include:
- Difficulty comprehending speech (especially in noisy environments)
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Voices sound muffled or slurred
- Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds
- Ringing or buzzing in one or both ears
- Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or other devices
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, a hearing test is recommended regardless of age or risk factors. Otherwise, these are the general guidelines on how often to get your hearing tested for different ages and life stages:
For Newborns, Babies, and Toddlers
Hearing tests for newborns, infants, and toddlers are vital for ensuring proper speech and language development. From the moment a baby is born, they begin absorbing information around them through senses like sight, touch, and hearing. 90% of our brains develop before we reach Kindergarten2, and auditory enrichment plays a key role in this process.
Recommended hearing test frequency for newborns, babies, and toddlers:
- Newborns and Toddlers: All babies should receive their first hearing test no later than one month after birth, ideally before leaving the hospital. Hearing should be tested again by 6 months of age if any concerns arise, such as failing the newborn screening or delays in speech and response to sound.
- Toddlers: Between the ages of 4-6 years old, yearly hearing checkups are recommended to keep track of hearing health throughout critical developmental stages.
If caregivers notice any signs of hearing difficulty, additional testing is highly recommended.
For Young Children, Pre-Teens, and Teens
Children are at an increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to prolonged exposure to loud audio, especially while using earbuds and headphones. Adolescents and teens who frequently use personal listening devices or participate in noisy activities, like music concerts or sports, may benefit from more frequent hearing tests as well.
Recommended hearing test frequency for school-age children, pre-teens, and teens:
- School-Age: If there are no existing signs of hearing issues, having a hearing screening at 8 and 10 years old is recommended.
- Pre-Teens and Teenagers: It’s recommended that pre-teens and teenagers receive at least 3 hearing tests between the ages of 11-17 years old to detect any changes that may affect language and social development.
It’s important to monitor children for potential signs of hearing difficulties and schedule a hearing test right away if you notice any symptoms.
For Adults with Healthy Hearing
Adults, ages 18 and up, without hearing concerns still benefit from regular check-ups to monitor their hearing health as they age. It’s common for people to adapt to subtle changes in their hearing without realizing it. Routine tests can help catch these changes early, often before they interfere with daily life.
Recommended hearing test frequency for adults with healthy hearing:
- Ages 18-40: Having a hearing test every 3–5 years is recommended for adults under 40 years old, in overall good health, and who are not experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss.
- Ages 40–60: After the age of 40, it’s very common for hearing to naturally start declining, so having a hearing test every 1–3 years is highly advisable.
- Ages 60+: Even for people who have had healthy hearing their entire lives, annual hearing exams are recommended for everyone over the age of 60.
If you’ve already noticed changes in your hearing or are at higher risk for hearing loss, you may need more frequent testing. Regular evaluations can help manage hearing loss effectively and prevent the condition from interfering with quality of life.
Factors That Affect How Often You Should Get Tested
The frequency of how often you should have hearing tests isn’t one-size-fits-all. While age provides general guidelines, other factors can influence how often you should have your hearing checked. Understanding these factors can help you protect your hearing now, and your overall quality of life for years to come.
Existing Hearing Loss
If you’ve already been diagnosed with hearing loss or use hearing aids, annual hearing tests are essential. Regular hearing check-ups can help monitor even the smallest changes in your hearing or any new issues early on.
If you have hearing aids, these appointments also ensure your devices remain in good working order and are adjusted to meet your hearing needs.
Loud Noise Exposure
Frequent exposure to loud noise is a leading cause of hearing damage. Whether it’s due to your occupation or favorite pastimes, your risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) may require more frequent testing regardless of your age:
- Occupational Risks: Workers in construction, manufacturing, entertainment industries, or any other occupation with repeated and/or prolonged exposure to loud noise should have hearing tests at least once a year.
- Recreational Noise: Regular attendees of concerts, sports events, or those who use headphones at high volumes may benefit from annual hearing tests as part of routine health monitoring.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions are also linked to an increased risk of hearing loss, making regular hearing tests increasingly important. Some of the most common medical conditions that can affect your hearing include:
- Diabetes
- Chronic Ear Infections
- Cardiovascular Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Lyme Disease
- And more
Additionally, some medications are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss. If you have an existing health condition and/or are taking medications regularly, it’s important to monitor your hearing closely and tell your doctor about any changes immediately.
Family History of Hearing Loss
A family history of hearing loss can indicate a genetic predisposition to the condition. If hearing loss runs in your family, it’s a good idea to schedule tests more frequently, even if you’re not currently experiencing symptoms.
Sudden Changes in Your Hearing
Even if you’re not in a high-risk group, noticeable changes in your hearing are a clear sign to schedule a test. Certain hearing-related symptoms can indicate underlying health conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Signs that you need to get your hearing tested right away include:
- Experiencing ringing or buzzing in one or both ears
- Perceiving a sound differently in either one or both ears
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- Difficulty understanding conversations
- Ear pain or discharge
- Dizziness or vertigo
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a hearing specialist or your healthcare provider immediately.
Schedule a Hearing Exam at White's Advanced Hearing in Kearney Today
Hearing health is a cornerstone of our overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise. Taking charge of your hearing health means being proactive about regular check-ups, recognizing the early signs of hearing loss, and seeking professional care when needed.
Don’t wait until issues arise— take control of your hearing health and schedule a hearing exam at White's Advanced Hearing in Kearney today.
References
- Hearing Loss Facts | Center for Hearing and Communication. (n.d.). CHChearing.org. https://www.chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
- Brown, T. T., & Jernigan, T. L. (n.d.). Brain development during the preschool years. Neuropsychology Review, 22(4), 313–333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-012-9214-1