Hearing health is easy to take for granted—until something starts to feel off. Whether you're turning up the volume a little more than usual or straining to follow conversations in noisy environments, subtle changes in hearing can be easy to ignore. But just like routine eye exams or dental cleanings, regular hearing evaluations are essential to protecting your long-term health and quality of life.
At South Florida ENT Associates, we’re committed to helping patients of all ages stay ahead of hearing loss through personalized, proactive care. So, how often should you actually have your hearing checked?
Why Hearing Checks Matter
Hearing loss can be gradual and easy to miss. People often don’t realize their hearing has diminished until it interferes with daily life. Regular hearing tests can:
- Detect early signs of hearing loss
- Identify potential causes (like earwax buildup or damage from loud noise)
- Guide treatment options such as hearing aids or medical interventions
- Prevent further damage through timely intervention
In short, routine testing gives you a clear picture of your hearing health and empowers you to take control of it.
General Guidelines for Hearing Exams
The recommended frequency of hearing tests can vary depending on age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Children
- At birth and during early development: Hearing is routinely screened in pediatric care.
- School-age children: Should be tested periodically, especially if they show signs of speech delays, frequent ear infections, or trouble paying attention.
Adults (Ages 18–60)
- Every 3–5 years: If you’re not experiencing any symptoms, a baseline hearing test every few years is usually sufficient.
- Sooner if you:
- Work in loud environments
- Frequently attend loud events or use headphones at high volumes
- Have a family history of hearing loss
Adults Over Age 60
- Annually: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) often begins around this time. Yearly screenings help catch changes early and preserve your quality of life through appropriate care.
Signs You Should Schedule a Hearing Test Sooner
Regardless of age, you should schedule a hearing evaluation if you notice:
- Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy settings
- Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or phone
- Feeling like people are mumbling or not speaking clearly
- Avoiding conversations or social situations due to hearing strain
Even minor symptoms can signal a larger issue, and our ENT specialists are here to help you find answers.
What to Expect During a Hearing Test at SFENTA
Our audiologists and ENT physicians use advanced, non-invasive tools to evaluate your hearing in a quiet, soundproof environment. You’ll listen to various tones and speech patterns to assess how well your ears pick up different frequencies.
If hearing loss is detected, we’ll explain your results in clear, easy-to-understand language and walk you through your options. Depending on the root cause, these may include hearing aids, earwax removal, or further ENT evaluation.
Protect Your Hearing. Prioritize Your Health.
With over 50 board-certified providers across 37 convenient locations, South Florida ENT Associates is your trusted partner in lifelong hearing care. Whether it’s time for your first hearing test or you’re looking to manage a current concern, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing evaluation and take the first step toward clearer, more confident hearing.
