How often should you get a hearing test?

Most adults should have a baseline hearing test by around age 50, then every one to three years, or annually from age 60. Adults under 40 in good health with no symptoms can generally test every three to five years. Book sooner if you are regularly exposed to loud noise or notice any change in your hearing.

How often should you get a hearing test by age?

These are general guidelines. Many adults are tested every three years as a simple screening interval. Your audiologist can recommend a schedule suited to your history and hearing test results, and monitor any change over time.

Why start a baseline test around age 50?

Age-related hearing loss usually develops gradually from the mid-life years onward. A baseline test around age 50 gives you and your audiologist a reference point, so any future change can be measured against your own results rather than a general average. Without a baseline, gradual change is easy to miss because you adjust to it slowly over time.

Do younger adults need regular hearing screening?

Adults under 40 with no symptoms and low noise exposure can generally leave longer gaps between tests, around three to five years. However, anyone regularly exposed to loud noise benefits from annual testing, regardless of age. This includes musicians, tradespeople or shift workers in noisy environments. Noise-related damage can build up gradually and silently. It often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages.

When should you book sooner to monitor hearing loss?

Book a hearing test earlier than your regular schedule if you notice any of the following:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Turning the TV or phone volume up louder than others prefer
• Struggling to follow conversations in background noise
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• A recent, gradual change in how clearly you hear

If your hearing changes suddenly, or you have ear pain, discharge or dizziness, contact your GP urgently or attend an emergency department the same day.

For more information, visit Healthdirect (healthdirect.gov.au) (opens in a new tab).

Sources: general audiology practice guidance (e.g. ASHA); Healthdirect. Information current July 2026 and general in nature.