How Often Do You Need to Get a Hearing Test?

You likely know you should be visiting the dentist a couple times a year for cleanings, and a primary care physician once a year for a physical. But how often do you need to get your hearing tested?

A standard hearing screening in Long Island, NY will determine whether you have lost any ability to hear sounds in certain situations. This will help your doctor determine if you have experienced any hearing loss. If you pass the exam, you do not have any hearing loss, but if you fail you will need to undergo more in-depth testing so your doctor will be able to determine the nature and degree of your hearing loss.

These hearing screenings will frequently be performed at regular doctor visits, but if not, you should make sure you schedule regular hearing screenings with an audiologist. Aim to have your hearing tested once a year, especially if you are middle aged or older and thus more susceptible to potential hearing loss.

How does hearing screening differ for children and adults?

Just because older adults are more vulnerable to potential hearing loss does not mean they are the only people who can benefit from regular hearing screenings. At least in the United States, children will have their hearing screened as soon as they’re born, before the baby can be discharged from the hospital. Toddlers will have their hearing screened as well, at their age two or three checkup. These screenings can also be beneficial if the child has a delayed speech development—the screening can help determine if it is possible that hearing impairments are contributing to impaired speech.

By the time children reach elementary school age, they will undergo hearing screenings every year, either at school or during their checkups. If any hearing problems are detected during these screenings, parents will be referred to audiologists.

Once people reach adulthood, hearing screenings should be a part of regular physicals. Young adults will typically have physicals every three to five years, but by the time you reach your mid-30s you should make it a priority to get physicals more frequently—every year if possible.

Hearing loss occurs gradually, so it can be difficult to notice it when you’re experiencing it. Regular screenings give you baseline testing results that can serve as a basis for comparison in the future.

Beyond your screenings at regular appointments, you can also schedule your own screenings if you feel like you have a need. If you feel like it’s gotten harder to understand conversations or are having a hard time concentrating in noisy environments, there’s a possibility you’re experiencing a form of hearing loss. In addition, if you have people regularly telling you to turn down the TV or radio, this is another telltale sign of hearing loss.

For more information about the most common signs of hearing loss and when you should get a hearing screening in Long Island, NY, contact McGuire’s Hearing Centers today and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.