Ask an Expert: How Often Should You Have a Hearing Test?
"I’m 55 and work in construction. That means I’ve been exposed to really loud noises for years. I haven’t always used ear protection either. Lately, I’m not catching everything people say at work. But, I’m also struggling at home, as my wife tells me I keep saying “Huh?” or “What?” when we talk.
I had my hearing tested about 10 years ago, and it was fine back then. How often should you have a hearing test?”
- Jim, Ohio
Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist, AJ Surrette: Thanks for your question, Jim. Happy to help.
Since you work in construction and may be experiencing some hearing loss symptoms, I would suggest that you go ahead and book a hearing test with a professional.
There are many benefits to having a hearing test.
It’s the first step to understanding and taking control of your hearing health.
Keep in mind:
Loud noise can cause hearing loss
Frequent exposure to loud noises is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Loud noise exposure can also speed up natural age-related decline.
This condition, known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), occurs when high-decibel levels permanently damage the hair cells in the inner ear that are needed for hearing.
Yearly hearing tests matter in noisy jobs
A yearly hearing test is a good idea for those who already have hearing loss, are age 60 or older, or are frequently exposed to loud environments like you.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss now, at any age, don’t wait.
Early treatment helps preserve your hearing
Untreated hearing loss will only continue to worsen as time goes on. The sooner you catch and treat hearing loss, the sooner you can protect your remaining hearing ability.Hearing loss treatment goes beyond your ears
Treating hearing loss also helps protect against other health issues like depression and cognitive decline. It can also help you stay connected to the people you love.
This table shows when you and others should get a hearing test—and why.
Group
Group
Recommended hearing test frequency
Immediately
- Musicians and DJs
- Construction and factory workers
- Teachers and childcare workers
- Bartenders and service staff
- Military veterans
- Airline and airport workers
- Hunters and sports shooters
- People with frequent ear infections
- Those taking ototoxic medications, such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (not a complete list)
- Frequent headphone users
- People with diabetes or heart disease*
- Smokers*
- People with a family history of hearing loss
Is a Hearing Test Painful?
You’re probably wondering if a hearing test is painful. It’s not. It’s a simple, painless way to find out how well you hear different sounds.
Testing can be done in a hearing professional’s office and sometimes in the comfort of your own home with a telehealth visit.
Your provider will ask you about your hearing and medical history and answer your questions. They’ll then look in your ears and test your hearing in a sound-treated booth.
- 1.The provider will play tones at various pitches and volumes through headphones.
- 2.You’ll be asked to respond each time you hear a sound and repeat spoken words at different volumes or with background noise to see how well you understand speech.
- 3.A hearing test visit usually takes about one hour from start to finish. You’ll also get your results right away and potential treatment suggestions before you leave.
- 4.The results of your test will show whether you have hearing loss, and if so, how mild, moderate, or severe it is. You'll also learn which frequencies (pitches) are hardest for you to hear.
Get more details on your first hearing appointment.
So, what signs should you watch out for?
If you start noticing you’re having a hard time hearing, or have sudden hearing loss, get tested as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome - protecting the hearing you have left.
Hearing loss often comes on gradually, so it’s easy to miss the early signs. These include:
Difficulty hearing in groups or noisy settings
Conversations in restaurants or on job sites get harder to follow.Asking people to repeat themselves
You find yourself saying “What?” or “Huh?” more often, especially with certain higher-pitch voices, like women or children.Turning up the volume on devices
You often find yourself turning up the volume on the TV or radio, while your friends, family, or coworkers say it’s too loud.Ringing or buzzing in the ears
You have persistent tinnitus (sounds in the ears), especially after being in loud environments.Withdrawing from conversations
You catch yourself avoiding certain social outings, people, and environments because you’re unable to understand and participate in conversations.
Taking the first step to address potential hearing loss can seem scary. But HearUSA is here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you’re in a loud workplace or want to stay ahead of age-related changes, a hearing test gives you the insight you need to protect your hearing long term.
Sources
CDC on workplace hearing risks: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html
NIDCD Hearing Evaluation: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/do-you-need-hearing-test
