Beyond the Hearing Aid: The Importance of Regular Hearing Tests

By: Kevin Kock, Au.D., MPH, CCC-A

As a licensed audiologist, I regularly see patients for hearing tests. These evaluations are essential for accurately assessing your hearing and monitoring any changes over time. When we test someone’s hearing for the first time, we establish a baseline, which helps us track any future changes. But how often should you have your hearing re-tested? The answer depends on several factors.

Just as prescriptions for glasses may need adjusting, hearing aids often require updates as hearing changes. For those who use hearing aids, regular hearing tests are key to ensuring the devices are correctly prescribed and functioning optimally.

For age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), an audiologist may recommend a hearing test every few years. However, an annual check-up is typically suggested for both you and your hearing aids. During these check-ups, we’ll discuss any issues you might be experiencing, so please feel free to let us know if you’ve noticed any changes in your hearing.

If you experience a sudden change or decline in hearing, it’s important to contact your audiologist promptly. For example, if sounds suddenly seem muffled or if you feel your hearing aids are less effective, it might simply be due to wax buildup in the device—a quick cleaning could solve the problem. However, if a thorough cleaning doesn’t help, a hearing test may be necessary.

Certain individuals may need more frequent evaluations. Older adults or those with health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or who are on medications known to affect hearing, such as some chemotherapy drugs, may require closer monitoring. Additionally, those who work or spend time in noisy environments should consider regular hearing assessments.

Some patients notice they’re constantly increasing their hearing aids’ volume. For this reason, in addition to hearing tests, it’s recommended to visit an audiologist every six months for cleaning, maintenance, and minor adjustments to keep the devices in top shape. Routine maintenance supports sound quality and helps extend the life of the devices. Noticing and tracking changes in hearing or device performance also provides valuable insights for your audiologist.

In short, regular hearing tests not only keep hearing aids performing well but also support overall hearing health, quality of life, and communication abilities.