Most adults should have a baseline hearing test in their twenties or thirties, then repeat testing every three to five years. From age 40, testing every two to three years is recommended, and from 60 onwards, an annual hearing test is best. If you notice any changes to your hearing at any age, or work in a noisy environment, you should have a test sooner rather than waiting for your next scheduled check.
Why hearing tests matter before you notice a problem
Hearing loss usually develops slowly, which is exactly why regular testing matters. The tiny hair cells inside the inner ear gradually become less sensitive over time, and this process is often so gradual that people adjust without realising it. Many adults find themselves filling in gaps during conversations, turning the volume up a little more each year, or avoiding busy, noisy places without ever connecting it to their hearing. Often it’s a partner, friend or family member who notices first.
This matters because hearing loss caught early is far easier to manage than hearing loss caught late. When changes are picked up sooner, there are more options available, whether that’s simple lifestyle adjustments, protective measures, or early treatment. Waiting until hearing loss is obvious and disruptive tends to mean more limited options and a longer adjustment period once treatment does start.
There is also a wider health picture to consider. Research increasingly links untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline, higher rates of social isolation, and increased risk of falls due to changes in balance. Staying on top of your hearing health is not just about hearing better, it is part of looking after your long-term wellbeing.
A general guide by age
Twenties and thirties
A baseline hearing test in early adulthood gives you and your audiologist a reference point for the future, even if you have no noticeable symptoms. This is particularly worth doing if you work in a noisy job, spend time at concerts or clubs, or regularly use headphones at high volume, all of which can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss regardless of age. Once you have a baseline, testing every three to five years is generally sufficient if nothing changes.
Forties
This is the decade where age-related hearing changes start to become more common, so testing every two to three years is a sensible step up from your twenties and thirties. Even without symptoms, periodic testing helps track subtle shifts that would otherwise go unnoticed. This is also a useful age to reassess any noise exposure at work or through hobbies and think about hearing protection if you have not already.
Fifties
Hearing loss becomes noticeably more common through this decade, so continuing with a test every two to three years, or annually if you have any risk factors, is a good habit to build. If you are finding conversations in noisy places harder to follow, or you notice yourself feeling more tired after socialising, these are worth mentioning at your next appointment rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Sixty and over
From 60 onwards, an annual hearing test is generally recommended. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, becomes significantly more common in this age group, and catching changes early makes ongoing management much easier. If you already wear hearing aids, annual checkups also give your audiologist the chance to make sure your devices are working properly and adjusted to any changes in your hearing.
Signs you should book a hearing test sooner
Regardless of your age or how long it has been since your last test, certain signs mean it is worth booking an appointment rather than waiting for your next scheduled check:
- Struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments like restaurants or family gatherings
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning the television or radio up louder than others seem to need
- Feeling unusually tired or drained after socialising or listening for long periods
- Ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds in one or both ears (tinnitus)
- A sudden change in hearing in one or both ears
- Family or friends mentioning that your hearing seems to have changed
Any of these are worth acting on promptly, particularly a sudden change in one ear, which should always be checked as soon as possible.
Who needs more frequent testing
Some people benefit from testing more often than the general guidelines suggest. This includes anyone with regular exposure to loud noise, whether through work in construction, manufacturing or music, or through hobbies like shooting, motorsport or regularly attending loud events. A family history of hearing loss, certain medical conditions, and some medications that can affect hearing are also reasons to test more frequently. If you already have diagnosed hearing loss, annual testing is generally recommended regardless of age, so any further changes can be picked up and managed quickly.
What happens during a hearing test
A hearing test is straightforward and generally takes around half an hour. It typically starts with a conversation about your hearing history, any symptoms you have noticed, and relevant lifestyle factors such as noise exposure. This is usually followed by a physical check of the ear canal and eardrum, and a series of tests where you listen for tones or speech through headphones and respond when you hear them. Your audiologist will then talk you through the results and explain what they mean, along with any recommendations, whether that’s simply continuing with regular checks or exploring treatment options.
Making regular testing part of your routine
Much like a dental checkup or an eye test, a hearing test is easiest to keep up with when it becomes a routine part of your healthcare rather than something you only think about once a problem appears. Setting a reminder based on the age guidelines above, or simply booking your next test at the end of your current appointment, is a straightforward way to stay consistent.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I have my first hearing test? Most adults benefit from a baseline hearing test in their twenties or thirties, even without any noticeable symptoms. This gives your audiologist a reference point to compare against in future tests.
How often should adults over 60 get their hearing tested? Annual hearing tests are generally recommended for adults aged 60 and over, as age-related hearing loss becomes significantly more common in this age group.
Can hearing loss happen before age 40? Yes. Noise-induced hearing loss can affect adults of any age, particularly those regularly exposed to loud environments through work or hobbies. This is why an early baseline test is useful even in your twenties and thirties.
Is a hearing test painful or uncomfortable? No. A hearing test is painless and non-invasive. It typically involves a physical check of the ear and a series of listening tasks through headphones, and takes around half an hour.
Should I get a hearing test if I don’t think I have any hearing problems? Yes. Hearing loss develops gradually and is often not noticed by the person experiencing it. Regular testing, even without symptoms, helps catch changes early when they are easier to manage.
Book your hearing test
If it has been a while since your last hearing test, or you have noticed any changes to your hearing, book an appointment with Carolina Leal Hearing Solutions in Leamington Spa.