Question 1

How does an online hearing test work?

Accepted Answer

This audiometric hearing test plays pure tones at standard clinical frequencies (125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz). Start at low volume and gradually increase until you can just barely hear each tone. If you can't hear certain frequencies at normal volume, it may indicate frequency-specific hearing loss.

Question 2

What frequencies should I be able to hear?

Accepted Answer

Adults with healthy hearing should detect all frequencies from 125Hz to 8kHz. The 500Hz-2kHz range is critical for speech understanding. Age-related hearing loss typically affects high frequencies (4kHz-8kHz) first. If you struggle with 4kHz or 8kHz, consider a professional hearing evaluation.

Question 3

Is this test as accurate as a clinic hearing test?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Professional audiologists use calibrated equipment in soundproof booths and test additional frequencies. Use this test to get a general sense of your hearing, but see a professional for accurate results if you suspect hearing loss.

Question 4

Why can't I hear high frequencies (4kHz, 8kHz)?

Accepted Answer

High-frequency hearing loss is common with age (presbycusis), noise exposure, or ear damage. It affects ability to hear consonants like 's', 'f', 'th', making speech sound muffled. If you can't hear 4kHz-8kHz at comfortable volume through good headphones, consult an audiologist.

Question 5

Should I use headphones or speakers for this test?

Accepted Answer

Always use headphones for hearing tests. Speakers introduce room acoustics and cross-talk between ears, making results unreliable. Use over-ear or in-ear headphones with good frequency response. For accurate left/right ear comparison, try our stereo test first to verify channel balance.

Hearing Test (Audiometric)

Hearing Test (Audiometric)