Hearing health often goes overlooked until a problem becomes noticeable. However, studies show that roughly one in seven American adults experiences some level of hearing difficulty, and that includes all ages of American adults. Because hearing loss can develop slowly and without obvious symptoms, routine hearing evaluations are an important part of preventive healthcare at every stage of life.
Hearing Loss Isn’t Just an Aging Issue
Many people associate hearing loss exclusively with older adults, but that isn’t accurate. While age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis, is widespread, hearing damage can occur at any age. Modern lifestyles expose people to constant noise, from traffic and construction to entertainment and personal audio devices. As a result, noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, is increasingly common, especially among younger adults and even teenagers.
Hearing Test Frequency: General Guidelines
The following recommendations outline how often adults should consider having their hearing evaluated. Keep in mind that your needs may differ if you already have hearing loss, work in loud environments, take medications that affect hearing or have a family history or medical condition linked to hearing impairment.
Young Adults: Ages 18–40
During early adulthood, the greatest risk to hearing comes from repeated exposure to loud sounds. NIHL is the most common type of hearing loss among young adults.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that a significant portion of American workers encounter hazardous noise on the job, often without adequate hearing protection, and noise exposure isn’t limited to the workplace. Loud music, sporting events, traffic, power tools and everyday city noise can all contribute to gradual hearing damage.
For this reason, adults aged 18 to 40 should schedule a hearing test every five to eight years. More frequent testing may be appropriate for those with noisy jobs or recreational activities that involve firearms, engines or amplified sound.
Midlife Adults: Ages 40–50
Subtle hearing changes may begin as early as age 40, though they often go unnoticed. Because age-related hearing loss progresses slowly, establishing a clear record of your hearing ability during this decade is especially valuable.
Adults in their forties should continue with hearing evaluations every five years, with the goal of creating a reliable hearing baseline by age 50. This makes it easier to detect even small changes over time.
Older Adults: Ages 50–65
As people enter their fifties, the likelihood of age-related hearing loss increases. Hearing screenings every three to five years are generally recommended during this stage of life. If testing earlier in adulthood revealed early changes, your hearing care provider may recommend more frequent follow-ups.
Seniors: Age 65 and Beyond
For adults 65 and older, hearing professionals and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend hearing evaluations on a yearly basis. Much like annual checkups or eye exams, regular hearing tests help identify changes early and support overall health, communication and independence.
Take the Next Step in Your Hearing Health
If you can’t remember your last hearing test—or have never had one—it may be time to schedule an evaluation. Reach out to Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today to book a hearing exam and stay proactive about your hearing health.