How often do you need to have a hearing test?

by Official Linner on Jul 16, 2024

Hearing loss is a significant health concern affecting the population across all age groups. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 5% of the world’s population, or 430 million people, have hearing impairment, including 34 million children. It adversely affects children’s speech and language development, academic achievements, and social life; adults with hearing loss face communication and speech difficulties, stress, depression, and poor job performance. Early detection of hearing damage and timely interventions such as OTC hearing aids and cochlear implants can effectively address these adversities in most cases.

What is a Hearing Test?

There are various types of hearing tests to help health care professionals diagnose hearing disorders, including pure-tone audiometry, auditory brainstem response test, otoacoustic remission, whispered voice test, speech audiometry, and tympanometry.

Pure-tone audiometry is the most common hearing test to identify hearing loss. It determines the degree and type of hearing impairment by checking different frequencies of sounds audible to the patients. This test is conducted by an audiologist with an equipment called an audiometer that delivers sounds at various frequencies and loudness levels through headphones and small behind-the-ear devices. It should be done in a soundproof room to report accurate findings. Patients need to press a button or verbally respond when they hear sounds. The responses are recorded on an audiogram to depict the hearing loss patterns.

When Should You Have Your Hearing Tested?

Hearing loss often develops gradually, and people may miss the early symptoms. Patients are advised to make an appointment with a hearing health provider if they experience trouble following conversations, increasing the volume of TV or radio, difficulties talking on the phone, and ringing in the ears. Here are some recommendations for the frequency of hearing tests and screenings for individuals across different age groups.

Babies

The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH) states that all babies should be screened for hearing loss within the first month of their life. Ideally, it is done in the hospital after birth.

Children

Parents should contact an audiologist if their children have pre-existing risk factors for hearing loss, such as certain genetic diseases, chronic ear infections, head injury, and exposure to loud noise or ototoxic medication.

Adults 18-40 years old

Adults between 18 and 40 years old who do not experience any form of hearing impairment are advised to check their hearing every three to five years.

Adults 41-59 years old

People from the 41 to 59 age group are recommended to have their hearing tested every one to three years. However, individuals with existing hearing loss, cardiovascular diseases, and a history of loud noise exposure should check their hearing more often.

Adults 60 and older

Experts recommend annual hearing tests for individuals over 60 as this group is at high risk of age-related hearing loss. Early diagnosis of hearing loss and hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of life among seniors.

Certain Groups

People diagnosed with previous hearing loss or exposed to occupational hearing hazards are recommended annual hearing check-ups to monitor and control further hearing damage.

Patients with hearing aids should be tested every three years to ensure their devices are appropriate as their hearing progressively deteriorates.