Your First Baseline Hearing Test
Just as you get regular dental and eye exams, hearing checks are a vital part of preventative health care. The best time for your first comprehensive hearing test, known as a baseline test, is generally in your early twenties. Health organizations often recommend this initial evaluation around age 21 or 25. This baseline serves as a reference point, providing your audiologist with a clear picture of your hearing at its peak. In the future, this data will help them monitor for any subtle changes over time, allowing for the earliest possible detection of hearing loss, which is crucial for effective treatment.
Why a baseline is so important
- Establishes a benchmark: You and your audiologist will have an official record of your hearing health to track any future decline.
- Early detection: Even mild, high-frequency hearing loss can be detected, something you might not notice on your own.
- Informs future care: Your baseline helps guide the frequency and nature of future screenings, especially as you age.
Recommended Hearing Test Frequency By Age
For adults who have established their baseline and have no known risk factors or symptoms, the frequency of hearing tests follows a general guideline based on age.
- Ages 18 to 40: For most healthy adults in this age range, a hearing test every 3 to 10 years is considered sufficient. This can often be included as part of a routine physical exam.
- Ages 40 to 60: As you enter your forties and fifties, the risk of age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, increases. During this period, testing is recommended every 1 to 3 years. This allows for earlier detection of changes that become more common in middle age.
- Ages 60 and Older: For adults over 60, annual hearing tests are strongly recommended. At this stage, hearing loss is significantly more prevalent, and frequent testing ensures any changes are caught and addressed promptly. This helps prevent the serious cognitive, social, and emotional effects associated with untreated hearing loss.
When to Get a Hearing Test Sooner
Age is not the only determining factor for when to get a hearing test. If you fall into any of the following categories, you should seek an evaluation immediately or undergo more frequent screenings.
Lifestyle and occupational risks
- Loud noise exposure: If you work in a noisy environment, such as construction, manufacturing, or aviation, or regularly participate in noisy activities like hunting, concerts, or playing in a band, you are at a higher risk for noise-induced hearing loss. An annual hearing test is essential to monitor your hearing health.
- Ototoxic medications: Some medications, including certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin, can damage your hearing. If you are taking such medications, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring.
- Head injuries: Trauma to the head can sometimes cause hearing loss. If you experience a significant head injury, a hearing test should be part of your follow-up care.
Signs and symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't wait for your next scheduled test. Book an appointment with an audiologist immediately.
- Difficulty understanding speech: People seem to mumble, or you find it hard to follow conversations, especially in group settings or with background noise.
- Asking for repetition: You frequently ask others to repeat themselves.
- High TV or radio volume: You or your family notice that the volume on the television or radio is uncomfortably high.
- Tinnitus: You experience persistent ringing, humming, or buzzing in your ears.
- Difficulty with high-pitched sounds: It becomes harder to hear children's voices or certain consonants.
A Comparison of Hearing Test Recommendations
| Age Group | No Known Risk Factors | With Risk Factors (Noise Exposure, Tinnitus) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–40 | Every 3–10 years | Every 1–2 years, or immediately if symptoms appear |
| 40–60 | Every 1–3 years | Annually |
| 60+ | Annually | Annually, or more frequently if hearing loss is present |
What to Expect During a Hearing Test
A professional hearing test is a straightforward, painless procedure conducted by an audiologist. After a discussion of your medical history and concerns, they will perform a series of tests in a soundproof booth.
- Pure-tone audiometry: Measures your hearing sensitivity for different pitches and volumes. You will wear headphones and press a button whenever you hear a tone.
- Speech audiometry: Evaluates how well you can hear and understand spoken words at various volume levels.
- Tympanometry: Checks the function of your middle ear and eardrum by using a small probe that emits a puff of air.
The audiologist will review your results, presented in an audiogram, and explain your hearing ability and any next steps required. For detailed guidance on hearing conservation, consult authoritative resources like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) ASHA Guidelines for Hearing Conservation.
The Benefits of Early Diagnosis
Ignoring hearing loss can lead to serious consequences that affect more than just your ability to hear. Untreated hearing loss is linked to increased fatigue, stress, social isolation, and cognitive decline, including a higher risk of dementia. By addressing hearing loss early, you can improve your quality of life, maintain better cognitive function, and stay socially connected with your family and community. Regular hearing tests are a key part of this preventative strategy, ensuring you have the best information to make informed health decisions for years to come.
Conclusion
While age is a significant factor in hearing health, it’s not the only one. Every adult should have a baseline hearing test in their 20s. From there, the frequency of subsequent tests depends on a combination of age, lifestyle, and symptoms. By staying proactive and getting tested at recommended intervals—or sooner if you notice any changes or have risk factors—you can protect your hearing and enhance your overall quality of life.
