Why should people over 70 have hearing tests?
Regular hearing checks after age 70 can uncover gradual changes that are easy to miss day to day. Testing can clarify whether trouble hearing comes from age-related hearing loss, earwax, or a medical issue, and it can support safer balance, clearer communication, and better overall health planning.
Many adults in their 70s notice that people “mumble” or that group conversations feel exhausting, yet they may still pass casual listening situations at home. Because hearing changes can be gradual, a structured hearing test can reveal patterns that everyday life hides and create a practical baseline for future aging-related changes.
How aging affects hearing loss in seniors
Age-related hearing loss is common in older adults and often develops slowly, affecting higher pitches first (like certain consonants). This can make speech sound unclear even when volume seems adequate. For a senior, untreated hearing loss can add stress in social settings, increase listening fatigue, and contribute to withdrawal from conversations. A periodic check helps distinguish a normal aging pattern from faster-than-expected change and documents where hearing is stable versus declining.
What audiology screening and an audiogram can detect
An audiology visit often includes screening steps and a formal audiogram that measures hearing thresholds across frequencies. This matters because not all hearing problems are the same: some are related to the inner ear, while others involve the middle ear’s ability to conduct sound. Testing may also include speech understanding measures, which can be more relevant than volume alone for real-world communication. With results on file, clinicians can spot meaningful shifts over time and recommend appropriate follow-up.
Tinnitus, earwax, and other common causes
Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) becomes more common with age and may occur alongside hearing loss, but it can also be influenced by medications, noise exposure history, or other health factors. Earwax is another practical reason for testing: wax buildup can reduce hearing and may mimic a sudden decline, yet it is often treatable. A hearing evaluation can help determine whether symptoms point to a simple, reversible cause or whether additional medical assessment is appropriate.
Balance, cognition, dementia, and communication
Hearing and balance share close anatomical and neurological relationships, and dizziness or unsteadiness deserves careful attention in older adults. Separately, hearing affects how the brain processes conversation; when sound input is reduced, the brain may need more effort to fill in gaps, which can strain cognition during complex listening. Research has found associations between hearing loss and later dementia risk, but a hearing test does not diagnose dementia and cannot predict it for an individual. Still, identifying hearing loss can support clearer communication with family and clinicians, which may reduce misunderstandings and help people stay engaged in daily life.
OTC and prescription hearing devices: typical costs
For adults over 70, test results can also guide whether over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are reasonable for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss or whether prescription-fit devices and follow-up care are better suited to the hearing profile. Costs vary widely by features (noise reduction, rechargeability, Bluetooth), service model, and warranty coverage, and they can change over time. As a general benchmark in the United States, OTC hearing aids are often priced in the hundreds to low thousands per pair, while prescription-fit hearing aids through clinics commonly total in the low thousands to several thousand dollars per pair when professional services are included.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| OTC hearing aids (self-fit) | Lexie Hearing | Often about $800–$1,000 per pair depending on model and promotions |
| OTC hearing aids (self-fit) | Jabra Enhance | Commonly about $1,000–$2,000 per pair depending on model and bundles |
| OTC hearing aids (self-fit) | Eargo | Often about $1,500–$3,000+ per pair depending on model |
| Prescription hearing aids with clinical fitting | Costco Hearing Aid Centers | Often about $1,500–$3,000 per pair depending on device and services |
| Prescription hearing aids with audiology services | Local audiology clinics (various brands) | Commonly about $3,000–$7,000 per pair depending on technology and service packages |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
When to involve an ENT or ongoing audiology care
A hearing test can also flag situations where an ENT (ear, nose, and throat physician) evaluation is important, such as sudden hearing changes, one-sided hearing loss, ear pain, drainage, or significant dizziness. Even without urgent symptoms, follow-up audiology visits can help with device adjustment, counseling on listening strategies, and monitoring progression. For many older adults, the most practical approach is routine screening at intervals suggested by a clinician, plus earlier testing when family members notice communication changes or when tinnitus, balance concerns, or earwax problems appear.
Hearing tests after age 70 are less about “passing” or “failing” and more about getting clear, measurable information. With a baseline audiogram and periodic screening, older adults can better understand what is driving listening difficulties, address treatable issues like earwax, and make informed choices about support options that fit their health needs, communication goals, and daily routines.
