Why a Baseline Matters
Hearing loss often develops gradually and can begin earlier than many people realize. Age-related hearing changes may start as early as in your 40s, though most individuals do not notice a functional impact until their 50s or 60s. Subtle changes, however, can be measured well before symptoms become noticeable.
For the general population, establishing a true baseline hearing evaluation around age 25 is recommended, before age, noise exposure, and other health factors accumulate. Individuals at higher risk, including those with a history of excessive noise exposure, a family history of hearing loss, certain medical conditions, or exposure to ototoxic medications, may benefit from earlier testing.
What a Comprehensive Hearing Assessment Includes
A complete hearing evaluation provides detailed information about how your ears are functioning and may include:
• Visual inspection of the ear canal and eardrum
• Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function
• Acoustic reflex thresholds to assess inner ear and neural pathways
• Pure-tone testing to measure hearing sensitivity
• Speech testing to assess understanding and clarity
These results help us determine the type and degree of hearing loss and allow us to provide personalized recommendations to support your hearing, communication, and long-term auditory health.