Peter studied hearing aid fitting at the world headquarters of Starkey Labs. He was able to have hands on training with the company’s founder, Bill Austin. He has also undergone advanced training in the smallest, nearly invisible style hearing aids, and has expanded his education by traveling to Denmark to learn directly from European hearing aid manufacturers. He continues to attend conferences and training seminars to stay current on the rapidly evolving world of hearing aid technology.
Latest posts by Peter Lucier, HIS (see all)
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If you’re wondering how to look after your hearing health, you’re not alone. A common question we get asked is, “How often should I get a hearing test?” Most Americans are in the habit of getting annual physical exams with the doctor, or getting their vision checked every year or two. But no one seems to know how often to get their hearing checked. If you want to know how often to get a hearing test, here’s our answer.
Why Get a Hearing Test?
Are you wondering why you should get regular hearing tests? After all, wouldn’t you know if you had hearing loss? It turns out that you might not be the first person to realize you have a hearing loss. Hearing loss is usually very gradual, and the day to day changes in your hearing health are almost impossible to notice. You make unconscious changes that help you hear, like leaning closer or turning up the volume on the TV. And you may not realize you’ve been missing some of the sounds around you.
Your family will probably be the first to notice you have a hearing loss. If they point out that you don’t always hear the beeping of the stove, or that you can’t hear them when they call you from another room, take it seriously. Your loved ones are the ones who will help you realize you have a hearing loss.
How Often Should You Get a Hearing Test?
There are a few factors to consider when answering this question. One way to determine how often to get a hearing test is based on your age.
- Children: Most children have a hearing screening when they’re born, and another screening when they’re starting school. It’s also common to have regular hearing check ups throughout childhood and adolescence.
- Adults 18 to 40: Younger adults who don’t notice any sudden changes in their hearing should get a hearing test every 3 to 5 years. This will help you monitor your hearing health, and you’ll have a baseline audiogram so you know exactly what sounds are within your normal hearing range.
- Adults 41 to 60: Adults in their 40s and 50s need to pay more attention to their hearing health. Age-related hearing loss often starts during these years, and you may begin to notice changes in your hearing abilities. It’s recommended that you get a hearing test every 2 or 3 years.
- Adults over 60: If you’re over 60, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested every 1 to 2 years, even if you think your hearing is fine. Age-related hearing loss affects one third of adults over 65, and half of adults over 75. Many older adults have trouble hearing high pitched sounds, like the birds chirping outside. They’ll also have a harder time following conversations, especially in noisy settings.
Other Reasons to Get a Hearing Test
Regardless of your age, you should get an annual hearing test if:
- You work in a noisy profession, or you have loud hobbies. Noise induced hearing loss is very common, and you can have noise induced hearing loss at any age. If you’re a musician, law enforcement officer, or construction worker, get your hearing tested every year. And if you love attending concerts, hunting, or riding motorcycles, you should also get hearing tests every year.
- You have a hearing loss. If you have hearing loss, it’s important that you monitor your hearing health. You need to know as soon as there are any changes to your hearing abilities. You’ll be able to adjust your hearing aids to help you hear as your hearing changes.
- You have a sudden hearing loss. Have you experienced a sudden hearing loss? This could be a sign of an illness or injury that’s affecting your hearing, or the result of noise exposure. Get a hearing test as soon as possible to find out why you have hearing loss, and get the right treatment.
Schedule a Hearing Test
Are you ready to schedule your next hearing test? Contact us today! Our hearing health specialists will help you find out more about your hearing loss, and recommend the best treatment options to match your needs.