Hearing tests by age
The bodies differ, and none sets a fixed schedule. The USPSTF found too little evidence to recommend for or against hearing screening in adults 50 and older without symptoms. ASHA suggests adults consider regular screenings, especially with noise exposure or new concerns. If you notice trouble hearing, tell your doctor; your doctor decides what testing you need. (USPSTF, 2021) (ASHA)
Hearing checks by age
| Age | How common hearing loss is | What the guidance says |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 49 | About 15% of all adults 18 and older report some trouble hearing (NIDCD, 2023) | Consider regular screenings, especially with loud noise exposure, new concerns or related health conditions (ASHA) |
| 50 to 64 | Increasing age is a risk factor (ASHA practice portal) | USPSTF: evidence insufficient to screen adults 50 and older without symptoms (I) (USPSTF, 2021) |
| 65 to 74 | About 1 in 3 has hearing loss (NIDCD, 2023) | USPSTF: I. Medicare's first Annual Wellness Visit reviews hearing impairment as part of functional ability (42 CFR 410.15) |
| 75 and older | Nearly half have difficulty hearing (NIDCD, 2023) | USPSTF: I. Tell your doctor about any trouble hearing |
An I statement means the evidence is insufficient to weigh benefits and harms; it is not advice against a hearing test. More: USPSTF grades explained. ASHA's practice portal lists risk factors and linked conditions including increasing age, unsafe noise exposure, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, some medicines, ear infections, head injury, stroke, dementia and tinnitus. (ASHA practice portal)
What Medicare covers
- Diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor orders them to see if you need treatment; you pay 20% of the approved amount after the Part B deductible. (Medicare.gov)
- An audiologist visit once every 12 months without an order, for hearing loss that develops over many years. (Medicare.gov)
- Not covered by Original Medicare: hearing aids and exams for fitting them. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra hearing benefits. (Medicare.gov)
Over-the-counter hearing aids
Since October 17, 2022, adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can buy FDA-regulated over-the-counter hearing aids in a store or online, without a hearing professional. Any hearing aid that is not OTC is a prescription device, available only through a licensed hearing health care professional. (FDA)
Questions people ask
How often should adults get a hearing test?
There is no single schedule. The ASHA practice portal says there is no one agreed-upon hearing screening schedule for adults; age, health conditions, noise exposure and access to routine care all matter. ASHA suggests adults consider regular screenings, especially with loud noise exposure, new hearing concerns or conditions linked to hearing loss. (ASHA practice portal) (ASHA)
Does the USPSTF recommend hearing screening at 50 or 65?
No recommendation either way. In 2021 it found the evidence insufficient to weigh the benefits and harms of screening adults 50 and older who have no symptoms (I statement). If you notice trouble hearing, that is not screening: tell your doctor. (USPSTF, 2021)
Does Medicare cover a hearing test?
Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams your doctor orders, and you can see an audiologist once every 12 months without an order for hearing loss that builds up over years. You pay 20% after the deductible. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams to fit them. (Medicare.gov) (Medicare.gov)
Can I buy a hearing aid without a test?
Yes, for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The FDA created over-the-counter hearing aids for them, in effect since October 17, 2022, sold in stores or online without a professional. Any hearing aid that is not OTC is a prescription device, available only through a licensed hearing health care professional. (FDA)