How we can help

Ask an Expert: How Often Should You Have a Hearing Test?

Hearing Aid Specialist AJ Surrette is answering your questions about hearing health. This time, it is about the optimal frequency of hearing tests for adults.
Published 6/5/2025,
Updated 6/6/2025
2 min read
Hearing healthRecommended
A hearing care professional explaining hearing test results to an elderly man
On this page
Jim's question

"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

The expert's answer

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.
The need for a test varies person to person, depending on things like age, symptoms, and risk factors like loud noise exposure.

This table shows when you and others should get a hearing test—and why.

Group

Group

Recommended hearing test frequency

Reason
Under age 50, no symptoms
Under age 50, no symptoms
Every 3–5 years
Establish a baseline, check, and monitor for early hearing loss signs.
Under 50, with hearing loss or family history
Under 50, with hearing loss or family history
Every 2 years
Preventive - check for hearing loss due to increased risk level.
Age 50+, no hearing loss
Age 50+, no hearing loss
Every 2 years
Preventive, as hearing often declines naturally with age.
Age 50+, with hearing loss or hearing aids
Age 50+, with hearing loss or hearing aids
Every year
Check for hearing loss progression, check current hearing aids, and update hearing loss technology if needed.
High-risk group
High-risk group
Every year
Preventive - Ongoing exposure or health risks increases the risk of hearing loss.
Those with sudden or noticeable hearing changes
Those with sudden or noticeable hearing changes

Immediately

Could indicate a treatable or urgent condition.
High-risk group includes:
  • 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
*Can impact hearing health by damaging the delicate systems in the inner ear.

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.

hearing test
  • 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. 
This information helps your provider recommend next steps. That could be simply monitoring your hearing, making lifestyle adjustments, or even trying hearing aids.

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.

Auto mechanic considered booking a hearing screening

Book a no-cost professional hearing screening

Are you having trouble hearing clearly? Book a no-cost professional hearing screening at your nearest HearUSA center today.
Book your screening

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

Related articles

HearUSA online hearing test
Updated 6 Jun · 5 min read
| Recommended

Take Charge of Your Hearing Health from Home: Discover the HearUSA Online Hearing Test

Do you suspect that you or someone you love may have hearing loss? Maybe you aren’t sure where to start, don’t think your hearing is bad enough “yet” to do anything about it, or avoiding an in-person hearing test due to being nervous about the results. At HearUSA, we understand. Acting on hearing loss, and knowing when to, can be challenging. That’s why HearUSA has made it easier to take a step toward better hearing health with our convenient Online Hearing Test.
Hearing healthRecommended
Go to consultation to see which hearing aids fit better
Updated 19 Mar
| Recommended

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for Your Lifestyle

With more than 120 hearing aid brands on the market today, it can be hard to know which one is right for you or your loved one, without some level of trial and error. That’s why we’re making it easier to understand how to choose the right hearing aid for you.
Hearing aidsRecommendedHearing health
Go to consultation to see which hearing aids fulfil your needs
Updated 22 May · 2 min read
| Recommended

How to save money on hearing aids

It’s no secret life has gotten more expensive, and sometimes it’s easy to let health take a back seat. But you and your health are worth the investment. Here are some ways you can save money while putting your hearing health first.
Hearing servicesHearing aidsTips and tricks

Talk to an expert in one of our hearing centers.

Book appointment

Have questions or need assistance?

Call us 855 252 5312
hearusa center map

Find your nearest hearing center.