Ask An Expert
QUESTION: Who should have their hearing tested?
ANSWER: Hearing loss can be a problem for people of all ages. It is one of the most common birth defects and it is occurring in young adults at an increasing rate. Most preschoolers and school-age children are screened periodically at their schools or in their doctors’ offices. The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends that adults be screened at least every decade through age 50 and at 3-year intervals thereafter. Anyone failing a hearing screening should be referred to a certified audiologist for a more comprehensive audiologic evaluation. A baseline comprehensive test is recommended for everyone 50 and over. Because hearing health can be an indicator of other health issues and is so important to overall wellness and relational functionality, we hope everyone will heed these recommendations.