How Often Should You Get a Hearing Test?

Is a hearing test the same as an eye test, or going to the dentist? In some ways it is, but the frequency largely depends on which risk category you fall into. If you have some established hearing loss, your testing will be more frequent than a young person or someone under the age of sixty. If you're unsure of your testing requirements, contact your audiologist. 

For confirmed hearing loss

If you have been to an audiologist and obtained a diagnosis or device you will have a good idea of how often you should attend the office for subsequent hearing tests. These tests are to calibrate your device and check your baseline hearing. 

Hearing devices are always being modified and upgraded. Additionally, hearing loss is dynamic and changes over time. To ensure you have the best device calibrated for your purposes you should attend your audiologist office for a test every three to five years. 

For young people 

If you're a young person or looking after one, the frequency of their hearing test will depend on the hearing issue. Some children have congenital hearing loss or experience hearing loss due to ear infections. In this case their hearing tests will be more frequent. 

In general, however, for newborns, infants and school-age children annual testing is not necessary. For these age groups it is only necessary to have a hearing test if the young person complains about hearing loss or hearing trouble. 

For those over sixty 

If you are over sixty and you haven't had any hearing issues you might still want to go for a hearing test and then get restarted once a year. Establishing a baseline hearing level at this age works as an indicator for later measurements. 

When you reach this age there is a significant chance of hearing decline over the coming years. Having your hearing tested more regularly ensures you and your audiologist understands the extend of your capacity and you can plan for the future  

For at risk workers 

The average decibel limit for damage to the ears is around 80 decibels. This is the noise of heavy traffic, double the average noise of conversation or a jet engine or a race car. If you work in an environment where your ears are regularly exposed to these levels you should get your hearing checked more often. 

If you work in an at-risk livelihood that could potentially damage your hearing you should have your hearing tested every few years or annually, depending on the levels you work with. This will establish a baseline for you and protect your life quality. 

For average adults 

You will fall into the category of average adult if you don't have any confirmed hearing issues and you aren't normally exposed to high levels of noise. Still, it might still be a good idea to have a routine test. 

A hearing test at your audiologist office every few years will help monitor your hearing health and ensure you maintain good quality hearing over the long term.