Hearing, often taken for granted until it begins to fade, is crucial to your overall well-being. Much like routine dental check-ups or eye exams, hearing tests play a vital role in maintaining your hearing health, allowing early detection of potential issues and ensuring timely interventions. Let’s examine how often you should have your hearing tested based on age and hearing needs.
For Children
Early detection of hearing problems is essential for a child’s development. Regular hearing screenings should be integrated into pediatric care. Infants should undergo a hearing test shortly after birth, as recommended by healthcare professionals. Subsequent tests should be conducted at milestones, such as before entering school and periodically after that, especially if there are concerns about speech or language development. Your child will likely have their hearing tested at least once in school, depending on testing availability in their district.
For Adults Under Sixty
Adults aged 18 to 60 should have their hearing checked every three to five years. This frequency allows your hearing specialist to keep track of hearing over time, making it easier to spot hearing loss before it adversely affects you. More frequent testing may be warranted if you work in noisy environments or attend loud events. A good rule of thumb is to schedule more frequent testing if you are regularly exposed to volumes above the CDC-recommend levels for noise-induced hearing loss—above an average of 85 dB for eight hours.
For Adults Over 60
As we age, the risk of hearing loss rises significantly. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, often develops gradually, making regular monitoring crucial for early detection and intervention. Because the risk of hearing loss is higher, adults aged 60 and above should undergo annual hearing screenings.
For Those with Hearing Conditions
People already diagnosed with hearing loss or other related conditions, such as tinnitus, should follow a personalized testing schedule recommended by their audiologist or healthcare provider. This may involve more frequent assessments to monitor changes in hearing and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Why Is Hearing Testing Important?
Maintaining good hearing health goes beyond simply ensuring you can hear sounds. It impacts various aspects of life, including communication, cognitive function and emotional well-being. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, increased risk of falls and even cognitive decline. By undergoing regular hearing tests, you can detect issues early, allowing for prompt treatment, whether through hearing aids, cochlear implants or other therapies.
Contact SoundLogic today to schedule a hearing test with one of our specialists.