Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hearing test online?
A hearing test online is a digital assessment that measures your ability to hear sounds at different frequencies through your computer or phone speakers/headphones. Our test plays tones from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz to determine your hearing range and estimate your hearing age. While not a replacement for professional audiological examination, it provides a convenient way to screen your hearing health at home.
Is there an online hearing test?
Yes! Our free online hearing test allows you to check your hearing from home. It tests your ability to hear different frequencies and provides instant results including your hearing age and maximum frequency range. You'll need headphones for accurate results. The test takes about 2-3 minutes to complete.
How can I test my hearing online?
To test your hearing online: 1) Put on headphones and adjust volume to a comfortable level, 2) Click "Start Test" on our page, 3) Listen for tones at different frequencies, 4) Click "I Can Hear It" or "Can't Hear" for each tone, 5) Get your results instantly. The test covers frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz to assess your full hearing range.
How to do a hearing test online?
Our online hearing test is simple: use headphones for best results, ensure you're in a quiet environment, click Start, and respond to each tone you hear. The test plays frequencies from low (20 Hz) to high (20,000 Hz). Indicate whether you can hear each sound. At the end, you'll receive your hearing age and maximum audible frequency.
How does an online hearing test work?
Online hearing tests work by playing pure tones at various frequencies through your headphones. You indicate which sounds you can hear. The test measures your frequency range (typically 20-20,000 Hz) and calculates your "hearing age" based on the highest frequency you can detect. As we age, we naturally lose the ability to hear high frequencies.
Are online hearing tests accurate?
Online hearing tests provide a useful screening but have limitations. They can accurately detect frequency range and identify potential hearing issues, but factors like headphone quality, ambient noise, and volume settings affect results. For a medical diagnosis, always consult an audiologist. Our test is best used as a preliminary screening or to track changes over time.
Are online hearing tests reliable?
Online hearing tests are reasonably reliable for screening purposes when used with good headphones in a quiet environment. Studies show they can effectively identify hearing loss trends. However, they cannot replace professional audiometry which uses calibrated equipment and tests additional factors like speech discrimination and bone conduction.
What is the best online hearing test?
The best online hearing test should test a wide frequency range (20-20,000 Hz), provide clear results, work on multiple devices, and be free to use. Our test meets all these criteria and additionally calculates your hearing age. For comprehensive testing, look for tests that check both ears separately and provide frequency-by-frequency results.
What is the most accurate online hearing test?
The most accurate online hearing tests use pure tone audiometry across multiple frequencies, allow separate ear testing, and recommend headphone use. Our test includes these features. For maximum accuracy, use quality headphones, test in a quiet room, and set volume appropriately before starting. Professional tests at audiologists remain the gold standard.
Is this a free hearing test?
Yes, our hearing test is completely free! No registration, no payment, no hidden costs. You can take the test unlimited times to track your hearing over time. Many people use free online tests as a preliminary screening before deciding whether to see a professional audiologist.
Are hearing tests free?
Our online hearing test is 100% free. Professional hearing tests vary in cost depending on location and provider. Many audiology clinics offer free screenings, and hearing aid retailers like Costco often provide free tests. NHS hearing tests are free in the UK. In the US, Medicare covers diagnostic hearing tests when ordered by a doctor.
Where to get a free hearing test?
Free hearing tests are available: 1) Online tests like ours, 2) Hearing aid retailers (Costco, Specsavers, Boots), 3) Some pharmacies, 4) Community health fairs, 5) NHS audiology departments (UK), 6) University audiology clinics. For home convenience, start with our free online test, then visit a professional if you have concerns.
How to get a free hearing test?
To get a free hearing test: take our online test right now for instant results, visit hearing aid retailers like Costco or Boots who offer free screenings, check if your employer provides workplace hearing checks, or contact local audiology clinics about free screening days. Many providers offer free tests hoping to sell hearing aids if needed.
Who is eligible for a free hearing test?
Everyone is eligible for our free online hearing test! For professional free tests, eligibility varies: most hearing aid retailers test anyone, NHS tests are available to UK residents, Medicare covers tests with doctor referral, and some programs target seniors or veterans. Many workplaces in noisy industries provide mandatory free hearing checks.
What is a hearing age test?
A hearing age test determines the biological age of your ears based on frequency range. As we age, we lose the ability to hear high frequencies (presbycusis). A 20-year-old typically hears up to 17,000-20,000 Hz, while a 50-year-old may only hear up to 12,000-14,000 Hz. Our test compares your results to these norms to estimate your hearing age.
What is your hearing age test?
Our hearing age test plays tones from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. By identifying the highest frequency you can hear, we calculate your hearing age. For example: hearing 18,000+ Hz suggests ears younger than 20, hearing 15,000 Hz suggests age 30-40, and hearing 12,000 Hz suggests age 50+. It's a fun way to assess your auditory health!
Are hearing age tests accurate?
Hearing age tests provide a general estimate based on frequency range. They're accurate in showing age-related patterns (high-frequency loss with age) but individual variation exists. Factors like noise exposure history, genetics, and health conditions affect results. Use hearing age as a fun metric, but consult professionals for medical concerns.
What is a hearing test with frequencies?
A hearing test with frequencies plays pure tones at specific Hz levels to map your hearing range. Standard audiometry tests 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz. Our extended test goes from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, covering the full human hearing range. This reveals both your low-frequency and high-frequency hearing abilities.
What frequencies are tested in a hearing screening?
Standard hearing screenings test speech frequencies: 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Extended tests add 250, 6000, and 8000 Hz. Our online test goes further, testing from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz at multiple points. This comprehensive approach reveals high-frequency hearing loss that speech-focused tests might miss.
What is the hearing test frequency normal range?
Normal human hearing range is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. However, "normal" varies by age: children hear up to 20,000 Hz, young adults 17,000-19,000 Hz, adults 30-50 typically 14,000-16,000 Hz, and those over 60 often max out at 8,000-12,000 Hz. Speech comprehension mainly requires hearing 250-8,000 Hz.
How many frequencies can you hear?
Humans can hear frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, encompassing thousands of distinct pitches. Within this range, we can distinguish about 1,400 different pitches. However, most people cannot hear the full range—high frequencies become inaudible with age. Our test helps determine your specific audible frequency range.
Why can I hear high frequency sounds?
If you can hear high frequencies (above 15,000 Hz), it indicates healthy hair cells in your inner ear and typically younger hearing age. High-frequency hearing depends on delicate structures that are often first damaged by noise or age. Maintaining this ability is a sign of good auditory health—protect it by avoiding loud noise exposure!
Why can't we hear high frequency sounds?
We lose high-frequency hearing due to damage or death of hair cells in the cochlea's base, which detects high pitches. Causes include: natural aging (presbycusis), noise exposure (concerts, headphones, machinery), certain medications, infections, and genetics. Once damaged, these cells don't regenerate, making prevention crucial.
How much does a hearing test cost?
Our online test is free! Professional hearing tests vary: free at many hearing aid retailers, $50-$250 at audiologists without insurance, often covered by insurance or Medicare with referral. NHS tests are free in the UK. Costs depend on comprehensiveness—basic screenings are cheaper than full audiological evaluations.
How much does a hearing test cost without insurance?
Without insurance, professional hearing tests cost $50-$250 depending on the provider and test type. Basic screenings are often free at Costco, Boots, or Specsavers. Full audiological evaluations cost more. Our online test provides a free alternative for initial screening, helping you decide if professional testing is needed.
Are hearing tests covered by Medicare?
Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing tests when ordered by a physician to diagnose hearing loss. However, routine hearing exams and hearing aids are typically NOT covered by Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional hearing benefits. Always check your specific plan's coverage details.
Are hearing tests covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover hearing tests when medically necessary (referred by a doctor). Coverage varies widely between plans. Some policies include routine hearing screenings as preventive care. Check your specific policy or call your insurer. Meanwhile, our free online test requires no insurance and provides instant results.
How often should you have a hearing test?
Adults should have hearing tested: every 3-5 years before age 50, every 1-3 years after 50, annually if exposed to loud noises at work, and immediately if you notice hearing changes. Children should be screened at birth, preschool, and regularly through school. Our free test allows unlimited checks to monitor changes.
How often should hearing tests be done?
Hearing test frequency depends on age and risk: children need regular school screenings, adults under 50 every 3-5 years, adults over 50 every 1-2 years, and those in noisy occupations annually. If you use our online test regularly (monthly or quarterly), you can track trends and catch changes early.
How often can you have a free hearing test?
With our online test, unlimited! Professional free tests vary by provider—some retailers offer annual free screenings, NHS has no strict limit but typically every 2-3 years unless needed sooner. If you're concerned about your hearing, don't wait—take our free test now, then schedule professional follow-up if indicated.
Why do I need a hearing test?
Hearing tests detect problems early when treatment is most effective. Signs you need testing: difficulty understanding speech, asking people to repeat themselves, turning up TV volume, missing doorbells or phones, ringing in ears (tinnitus). Untreated hearing loss links to cognitive decline, social isolation, and safety risks.
Why get a hearing test?
Getting a hearing test is important for several reasons: early detection of hearing loss improves treatment outcomes, hearing aids work better when fitted early, untreated hearing loss is linked to dementia risk, good hearing is crucial for safety (alarms, traffic), and understanding your hearing health helps protect it. Our free test is a great starting point.
What is a hearing test for adults?
Adult hearing tests typically include pure tone audiometry (testing different frequencies), speech audiometry (understanding words at different volumes), and sometimes tympanometry (middle ear function). Our online test focuses on pure tone frequency range. Professional tests also examine ear anatomy and hearing aid candidacy.
What age to get a hearing test?
Hearing should be tested: at birth (newborn screening), before starting school, during school years, at age 18-21 as a baseline, every 3-5 years through adulthood, and every 1-2 years after 50. Anyone noticing hearing difficulties should test immediately regardless of age. Our test is suitable for ages 6 and up.
What age can you get a free hearing test?
Our online test is free at any age. For professional tests: children get free school screenings, NHS provides free tests at any age (UK), Medicare covers diagnostic tests for seniors (US with referral), and retailers like Costco offer free tests to adults of any age. Many senior programs specifically target those 55+ or 60+.
Which hearing test is best for older adults?
For older adults, comprehensive audiological testing is best, including pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination tests, and assessment for hearing aids. Our online test is a good starting point to identify issues. Professional tests can better evaluate speech understanding problems common in aging, where high-frequency hearing loss affects consonant clarity.
Do I need headphones for an online hearing test?
Yes, headphones are strongly recommended for accurate online hearing test results. They provide consistent audio delivery, block external noise, and allow testing each ear separately. Use over-ear headphones or earbuds (not computer speakers). Set volume to a comfortable level before starting—not too loud, not too soft.
Can I do a hearing test without headphones?
While technically possible using speakers, results will be much less accurate without headphones. Speaker sound is affected by room acoustics, distance, and ambient noise. You also cannot test ears separately. For meaningful results, always use headphones. If unavailable, treat speaker-based results as very approximate screening only.
Are free hearing tests accurate?
Free hearing tests, including ours, provide reasonably accurate screening results when done properly with headphones in a quiet environment. They effectively identify hearing range and potential issues. However, they're not diagnostic—professional audiometry with calibrated equipment is needed for medical diagnosis and hearing aid fitting.
Are hearing test apps accurate?
Hearing test apps and websites vary in accuracy. Quality apps that test multiple frequencies with proper methodology (like ours) can reliably detect hearing loss trends. Factors affecting accuracy: headphone quality, ambient noise, volume calibration, and user compliance. Apps are good for screening but not diagnosis—see professionals for medical concerns.
What is the hearing test frequency chart?
A hearing frequency chart (audiogram) plots hearing thresholds across frequencies. The x-axis shows frequency (250-8000+ Hz), y-axis shows volume in decibels. Normal hearing is 0-25 dB. Our test covers 20-20,000 Hz. Standard charts focus on speech frequencies; our extended range better reveals high-frequency loss common with aging and noise exposure.
What is a hearing test with audiologist?
An audiologist hearing test is a comprehensive professional evaluation including: visual ear examination, pure tone audiometry in a sound booth, speech recognition testing, tympanometry for middle ear function, and results interpretation. The audiologist can diagnose conditions and recommend treatment including hearing aids. Our online test provides preliminary screening before this step.
How much is a hearing test for a child?
Pediatric hearing tests are often free through schools, pediatricians, or public health programs. Private testing costs $50-$150. Specialized infant tests (OAE, ABR) may cost $200-$400. Insurance typically covers medically necessary pediatric hearing tests. Our online test can be used by children aged 6+ who can follow instructions and indicate responses.
Can I hear 20000 Hz?
Most adults cannot hear 20,000 Hz—this upper limit is typically audible only to children and teenagers. If you can hear frequencies above 17,000 Hz, your hearing is excellent for an adult. Hearing 20,000 Hz suggests hearing age under 20. Don't worry if you can't—it's normal, and these frequencies aren't needed for speech understanding.
How hearing tests work?
Hearing tests work by presenting sounds at different frequencies and volumes, measuring your ability to detect them. Our online test plays pure tones from 20-20,000 Hz; you indicate which you hear. Professional tests add speech understanding, middle ear function, and precise volume thresholds. Results map your hearing ability across the frequency spectrum.