Where to get a hearing test and what to expect

A hearing test is a straightforward, painless check that measures how well you hear sounds at different volumes and pitches. You can get one from your primary care doctor, an audiologist (a specialist trained in hearing), or an ear, nose, and throat doctor called an ENT or otolaryngologist. Your doctor can refer you to any of these, or you can call an audiologist directly — most do not require a referral.

The test itself takes 20 to 60 minutes. You sit in a quiet room wearing headphones and raise your hand or press a button when you hear a sound. The audiologist plays tones at different volumes and frequencies to map out which sounds you hear clearly and which you miss. There is no pain, no needles, and no preparation needed beforehand.

Medicare covers a hearing test ordered by your doctor if you have symptoms like trouble understanding speech or difficulty hearing in groups. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan to confirm your coverage, since rules vary by plan. Many community health centers and senior centers also offer low-cost or free hearing screenings.

Key Takeaways

  • A hearing test measures how well you hear across different volumes and pitches and takes 20 to 60 minutes with no pain or preparation.
  • You can get a test from your primary care doctor, an audiologist, or an ENT specialist without a referral in most cases.
  • Medicare covers a hearing test if your doctor orders it and documents that you have hearing symptoms.
  • The results show your hearing level in each ear and help determine whether hearing aids or other treatment might help.
  • Many community health centers and senior centers offer low-cost or free hearing screenings if cost is a concern.

What the test results mean

After your test, the audiologist gives you a report called an audiogram. It shows your hearing threshold — the quietest sound you can hear — at each frequency tested. The results are plotted on a graph with one line for each ear. Normal hearing is marked as 0 to 20 decibels. If your thresholds are higher than that, it means you need louder sounds to hear them.

The audiologist will also tell you the type and degree of your hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss means the inner ear or nerve is affected and is the most common type in older adults. Conductive hearing loss means sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear, often by earwax or fluid. Some people have both types. The degree ranges from mild to profound, and the results guide decisions about whether hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other treatments might help.

You will also get a copy of your audiogram to take home and share with your doctor. Keep this report — you may need it later if you decide to pursue hearing aids or if you see a different audiologist.

Why hearing loss matters and when to get tested

Hearing loss is common in older adults. About one in three people over 65 has some degree of hearing loss, and the rate climbs with age. Untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression, and cognitive decline because your brain works harder to process incomplete sound signals. Getting tested early, even if you think your hearing is fine, helps catch changes before they affect your daily life.

You should consider a hearing test if you notice yourself turning up the TV louder than others prefer, asking people to repeat themselves often, having trouble hearing in noisy places like restaurants, or feeling like people are mumbling. You should also get tested if you have ringing in your ears (tinnitus), dizziness, or ear pain. If you work or have worked in a loud environment — construction, manufacturing, military — a test is a good idea even without symptoms.

If you already wear hearing aids, regular tests help your audiologist adjust them as your hearing changes. Most audiologists recommend testing every one to three years for people over 60, or more often if your hearing is changing rapidly.

Cost and insurance coverage

Medicare Part B covers one hearing test per year if your doctor orders it and documents that you have hearing symptoms. You pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. If you have a Medigap plan, it may cover part or all of your coinsurance. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage varies — some plans cover hearing tests at no cost, while others charge a copay or do not cover them at all.

If you do not have Medicare or your plan does not cover the test, costs range from $0 to $300 depending on where you go. Community health centers often charge on a sliding scale based on income. Senior centers and some hearing aid retailers offer free or low-cost screenings as a way to introduce their services. University audiology clinics sometimes offer reduced rates because students perform the test under supervision.

If cost is a barrier, call your local Area Agency on Aging to ask about free or reduced-cost hearing tests in your area. You can find your local agency by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visiting eldercare.acl.gov.

What happens after your test

If your test shows normal hearing, you are done. Your doctor and audiologist will recommend when to test again — usually in one to three years if you are over 60. If your test shows hearing loss, the audiologist will discuss options with you. Hearing aids are the most common treatment, but they are not the only one. Some people benefit from assistive listening devices like amplified phones or TV listening systems. Others use captions or visual alerts.

If you decide to pursue hearing aids, the audiologist will take impressions of your ears and program the aids based on your audiogram results. You will have follow-up appointments to adjust the fit and settings. If you decide not to pursue treatment right now, that is also fine — you can always come back later if your hearing changes or if you change your mind.

If your test shows sudden hearing loss in one ear, or if you have other symptoms like dizziness or ringing, your doctor may refer you to an ENT specialist for further evaluation. Sudden hearing loss can sometimes be treated if caught early, so do not delay if this happens to you.

Preparing for your appointment

Bring your insurance card and a list of any medications you take, since some drugs can affect hearing. If you have had previous hearing tests, bring those results so the audiologist can compare them and see whether your hearing has changed. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.

On the day of your test, avoid loud noise for at least 16 hours beforehand if possible — loud exposure can temporarily shift your hearing thresholds and make the results less accurate. If you use hearing aids, bring them with you so the audiologist can test your hearing both with and without them. If you have earwax buildup, ask your doctor to remove it before the test, since earwax can block sound and affect results.

After the test, you will have a conversation with the audiologist about your results and options. Bring a family member or friend if you want a second set of ears — hearing loss can be emotional, and having someone there to help you understand the results and next steps can be helpful.

Finding an audiologist or hearing specialist

You can find an audiologist through your doctor's referral, through your insurance company's provider directory, or by searching online. Look for someone with the credential Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) or CCC-A (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology), which means they have completed graduate training and passed a national exam. Some audiologists work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Others work for hearing aid companies.

If you see an audiologist who works for a hearing aid company, they will recommend hearing aids if you need them — which is their business model. That is not necessarily bad, but it is worth knowing. If you want an independent opinion, see an audiologist who does not sell hearing aids. You can also ask your doctor for a referral to an ENT specialist if you want a medical perspective before deciding on treatment.

Your local Area Agency on Aging can also recommend audiologists in your area. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find your agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a hearing test hurt?

No. A hearing test is painless. You sit in a quiet room and raise your hand or press a button when you hear sounds. The only thing you might feel is the audiologist placing headphones on your head or putting a small earpiece in your ear canal.

Can I get a hearing test at my regular doctor's office?

Some primary care doctors can do a basic hearing screening in their office, but a full audiological test requires special equipment and a quiet room. Your doctor can refer you to an audiologist or ENT specialist for a complete test. Many insurance plans require a doctor's referral for coverage.

How often should I get a hearing test?

If you are over 60 and have normal hearing, most experts recommend testing every one to three years. If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will recommend a schedule based on how quickly your hearing is changing — usually every one to two years. If you notice sudden changes, get tested right away.

What if I cannot afford a hearing test?

Many community health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Senior centers, hearing aid retailers, and university audiology clinics often provide free or low-cost screenings. Call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-677-1116 to ask about free options in your area.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see an audiologist?

Most audiologists will see you without a referral, but Medicare and some insurance plans require one for coverage. Call your insurance company or the audiologist's office to confirm what is needed for your plan before you schedule.