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Our Reviews Team selected the Jabra Enhance online hearing test as “Easiest to Use” because it provides clear instructions in a simple format and only takes a few minutes to complete.
The 6 Best Online Hearing Tests of 2024: Expert Reviewed
Oct 17, 2024
Fact Checked
Our Reviews Team tested 15 of the best online hearing tests and selected the six best for helping you keep your hearing in top shape.
Key Takeaways
- Online hearing tests are a convenient initial step to identify potential hearing loss.
- Tests vary in methodology, with some offering detailed results and follow-up options.
- Accurate results depend on proper setup and environment during the test.
1
Easiest to Use
2
Simplest Results
3
Best for Virtual Follow-Up
Recognizing the signs of hearing loss in yourself or a loved one is an important step toward getting treatment. Hearing loss can negatively impact your relationships and overall quality of life, so early detection is essential—especially with hearing loss affecting one in three adults over 65, according to The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. [1] National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders. Quick Statistics About Hearing. Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
An online hearing test can help you determine if you have hearing loss and whether you need hearing aids. Our Reviews Team took 15 different online hearing tests, and in this article we walk you through our choices for the six best free online hearing tests, how to take them, and what to look for in your assessment.
A quick look at the best online hearing tests
- Jabra Enhance: Easiest to Use
- Phonak: Simplest Results
- Eargo: Best for Virtual Follow-Up Appointments
- MDHearing: Best Detailed Results
- Best Buy: Best Retailer Test
- Healthy Hearing: Best Multiple-Choice Test
Table 1 Comparison of the best online hearing tests
| Cost | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Test time (minutes) | 5 | 3 | 3–5 | 8 | 3–5 | 5 |
| Tests for | Tone frequency | Tone frequency | Tone frequency | Tone frequency | Background noise | Hearing experience |
| Email address required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Results | By email | By email | By email and immediately | By email and immediately | Immediately | Immediately |
| Follow up | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Easiest to Use: Jabra Enhance
Jabra Enhance
Easiest to Use
Why We Chose
Pros and cons of the Jabra Enhance
Pros
Simple to use
Clear instructions
Cons
Email address required to get results
Results not as detailed as some other tests
Features
- Tests for: Tone frequency
- Testing time: Five minutes
- Results delivery: By email
- Follow up: Phone and in person
Additional information
The test uses tone frequency to test both your left and right ears. Also called air conduction testing, a pure tone test uses one single frequency that goes through your outer and middle ear. You’ll be led through four sound frequencies—500 hertz (Hz), 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz—and prompted to click a number that matches the lowest sound level you can hear coming through your headphones, as shown in the above image.
After you finish taking the test, you’ll need to share your first name and email address to see the results.
The results page is simple, with a graph showing your level of hearing impairment and a brief explanation. For example, if you have difficulty hearing low-frequency sounds, the results will report that “you may struggle in group conversations or noisy environments.”
Figure 1 Jabra Enhance online hearing test results page
After you’re finished taking the test and viewing your results (see Figure 1) you’ll be taken to a page that shows the hearing aid models available from Jabra (if your results identify that you have hearing loss). You can call the company to get more information, use the “chat now” option in the upper right corner of the page, or click the link in your email to request a phone call from a Jabra representative to get more information about purchasing Jabra hearing aids.
A drawback of this test is you need to share your email address before you can see your results. If you prefer to remain private or want immediate results without having to enter your email address, you might consider another online hearing test, like Best Buy. After a member of our Reviews Team took the Jabra test, they received their results in about 10 minutes via email.
Simplest Results: Phonak
Phonak
Simplest Results
Why We Chose
Not only does the Phonak online hearing test take only three minutes to complete, which is the fastest on this list, but it also has simple-to-read, detailed results. As a result, our Reviews Team named the Phonak online hearing test best for “Simplest Results.”
Pros and cons of Phonak
Pros
Takes approximately three minutes, tied for the fastest on this list
Detailed, easy-to-understand results
Cons
Email address required
In-person follow up only
Features
- Tests for: Tone frequency
- Testing time: Three minutes
- Results delivery: By email
- Follow up: In-person
Additional information
Slightly different from the Jabra Enhance and Eargo online hearing tests, the Phonak online hearing test asks you to press the play button and adjust the volume by clicking on a plus or minus until you find the softest sound you can hear.
Figure 5 Phonak online hearing test
Once you finish the test, you’ll receive an email where you can click “view result,” which opens a new tab. In the dropdown “what does this mean,” you can find your detailed results. The results are in a simple-to-read graph that breaks down the results by each ear and estimates your range of hearing: good, mild, moderate, or severe. Phonak offers in-person follow-up consultations with a hearing care specialist who can check your hearing needs further, provide audiological care, or help you find the hearing aid model that will work best for you.
The follow-up appointment with Phonak isn’t as convenient to schedule as the other tests we reviewed. The results page includes a link to the main page, where you can click “Find a Provider.” Then, enter your ZIP code, and you’ll see a map of your local area with Phonak hearing centers highlighted. The map shows the hearing center addresses but doesn’t include phone numbers to call the centers directly. You’ll have to do a separate search outside the Phonak site to get phone numbers for the centers. If you want a simpler solution for scheduling follow-up care, consider the Eargo online hearing test instead.
If you want easy-to-read, detailed results that break down your assessment by each ear, and you don’t mind going in person if your results show you have hearing loss, the Phonak online hearing test could be a step in the right direction for you.
Best for Virtual Follow-Up Appointments: Eargo
Eargo
Best for Virtual Follow-Up Appointments
Why We Chose
Our Reviews Team chose the Eargo online hearing test as “Best for Virtual Follow-Up Appointments” for its interactive calendar appointment scheduling, a feature unique to the Eargo hearing test.
Pros and cons of Eargo
Pros
Helpful and interactive follow-up scheduling
Detailed set-up process
Cons
Email address and phone number required to get results
Results not as intuitive
Features
- Tests for: Tone frequency
- Testing time: 3-5 minutes
- Results delivery: Immediate
- Follow up: Email or phone
Additional information
After taking the online hearing test, Eargo will share your results with you and give you the option of immediately scheduling a follow-up consultation with an Eargo hearing professional.
Before you take the test, you’re instructed to rub your hands together, after which you’ll use the volume slider to match the volume of the sound coming through your headphones to the sound you’re making with your hands. This is done to ensure your headphones are at the proper volume for your level of hearing.
While the Jabra Enhance test asks you to indicate when you can barely hear a tone, Eargo has you click “I hear that” anytime you hear a sound at all as it plays each frequency to you at different volumes (see Figure 2 below).
Figure 2 Eargo online hearing test
Once you finish your test, you’ll have the option of listening to a hearing simulator or seeing your results. The hearing simulator plays different sound environments, like outdoors or watching TV, the way they sound with challenged hearing, and with improved hearing (that is, with hearing aids).
To see your results, you’ll be prompted to enter your name, email address, and phone number.
Instead of showing your hearing test results as a graph, Eargo shows your results as situational experiences. For some, this may be a drawback, as Eargo doesn’t give you detailed quantitative results like some other companies on this list.
Figure 3 Eargo hearing test results
Then, below the results (if your test identifies you have hearing loss), you’ll have the option of scheduling a phone appointment with an Eargo hearing professional through the Eargo interactive calendar, a standout benefit of the Eargo hearing test. No other company on this list offers an interactive calendar for such easy post-test scheduling.
Figure 4 Eargo online scheduler after online hearing test
Another drawback of this test is that in order to view your results, you have to share your name, email address, and phone number. When our Reviews Team tested this, we received marketing emails, but you can unsubscribe from them easily by clicking “unsubscribe” at the bottom of any of the emails.
If you’re seeking an easy online follow-up scheduling tool after taking your online hearing test, Eargo could be your best option. If you prefer to meet in person or want more detailed results, check out another online hearing test on this list, such as Phonak or MDHearing.
Best Detailed Results: MDHearing
MDHearing
Best Detailed Results
Why We Chose
We chose MDHearing as the best-detailed hearing test because it is one of the few options to provide a complete audiogram.
Pros and cons of MDHearing
Pros
Detailed results (audiogram) available
Free consultation after completing the test
Cons
Takes approximately eight minutes (the longest time on this list)
Email address required
Features
- Tests for: Tone frequency
- Testing time: Eight minutes
- Results delivery: By email and immediately
- Follow up: Email or phone
Additional information
Of all the online hearing tests our Reviews Team tried, MDHearing was one of the two tests that included a detailed audiogram—a graph showing the results of a pure-tone hearing test—after completing the test. While other brands offer a simple-to-read graph that explains your results, MDHearing gives more context to your results, such as examples of the types of sounds you may be missing. That’s why we named MDHearing as “Best Detailed Results.” Before taking the test, you’ll need to submit your name and email address to receive the detailed results. Adding your phone number is optional.
We also liked how every MDHearing hearing test includes a free video consultation with a qualified hearing professional. Doug Breaker, CEO of MDHearing, told us, “With any of our free hearing tests, you can get a free consultation with a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument spec, and they’ll walk you through your test results and tell you exactly what everything means and explain your options.”
Most free tests don’t include this service, making this a standout option on our list for people who want advice from a certified hearing health care provider. “We do tens of thousands of HIPAA-compliant video and phone calls with our customers every month … We have about 30 licensed audiologists and licensed hearing instrument specialists. Anybody with a hearing issue is going to talk to somebody licensed,” Breaker added.
Like the Phonak test, when you take the MDHearing online hearing test you’ll use plus and minus buttons to adjust the volume and find the softest tone level you can hear for each separate frequency, which is measured from very soft to very loud. You can also click directly on the soundbar to increase or decrease the sounds. The test takes about eight minutes from start to finish.
Figure 6 MDHearing online hearing test
Your results will show a graph with hearing challenges related to frequency data on both ears, and a detailed explanation of what that means. For example, if you have trouble hearing low frequency sounds in both your left and right ears, you may be struggling to understand men’s voices or hear noises such as thunder. Trouble with middle frequencies can indicate that you’re struggling to hear midtones, such as what can be heard in normal conversations, phone calls, or on radio and television. And trouble with high frequencies can mean that you’re struggling to hear women’s and children’s voices, and high pitched sounds like the chirping of birds.
Figure 7 MDHearing online hearing test results
This online hearing test takes about eight minutes to complete, which is the longest on this list. For those who want detailed results and an explanation behind those results, the MDHearing online hearing test may fit your needs.
Best Test Offered by a Retailer: Best Buy
Best Buy
Best Test Offered by a Retailer
Why We Chose
Our Reviews Team tested several different over-the-counter hearing aid retailer options for its online hearing tests and identified Best Buy as the best overall, which is why we named it “Best Retailer Test” in this review.
Pros and cons of Best Buy
Pros
No email address or phone number required
Tests different levels of background noise
Cons
No follow-up care
Results are not detailed
Features
- Tests for: Background noise
- Testing time: 3–5 minutes
- Results delivery: Immediate
- Follow up: None
Additional information
Unique on this list, the Best Buy online hearing test uses speech audiometry, which works by combining varying levels of background noise against speech and testing how clearly you can understand the words.
While taking this test, you listen closely to a voice that says three numbers against background noise for 23 rounds. During each round, if you aren’t sure of the answer or couldn’t hear, you take your best guess. Since it doesn’t repeat the numbers, this might not be a good system if you lose focus.
Results are immediate, and you don’t even have to provide your email address or phone number. The results are simple and indicate whether you potentially have mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss (see Figure 8 below).
Figure 8 Best Buy online hearing test results
If the test result indicates mild or moderate hearing loss, it will direct you to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids offered by Best Buy, such as Jabra Enhance, Eargo, Lexie, and Sony. For severe hearing loss, it recommends consulting with a hearing care specialist for more assistance, as OTC hearing aids are not suitable for severe hearing loss.
As with many online hearing tests, the Best Buy hearing assessment is a great tool to identify if you might have hearing loss, but it’s recommended to follow up with an audiologist or hearing care specialist.
Best Multiple Choice Test: Healthy Hearing
Healthy Hearing
Best Multiple Choice Test
Why We Chose
We chose Healthy Hearing as the best multiple-choice hearing test because it’s one of the few companies that offers this convenient option.
Pros and cons of Healthy Hearing
Pros
No headphones necessary
Easy multiple choice questions
Cons
Doesn’t physically test your hearing
Email address required
Features
- Tests for: Hearing experience
- Testing time: Five minutes
- Results delivery: Immediate
- Follow up: Email or phone
Additional information
Unlike the other tests on this list, the Healthy Hearing online hearing test doesn’t actually test your hearing. Rather, it’s a set of 10 multiple-choice questions, which is why our Reviews Team chose Healthy Hearing as the “Best Multiple-Choice Test.”
When taking this online hearing test, you’ll be asked a series of questions with possible answers that include:
Q: How often do you have difficulty understanding voices on the phone?
A: Rarely, sometimes, or often
Q: Have you had disagreements with others because you didn’t hear what was said correctly, or have your loved ones suggested you have your hearing checked?
A: Yes or no
Q: How often do you “fake it,” pretending to hear or nodding in agreement even though you aren’t sure what was really said?
A: Rarely, sometimes, or often
To receive the results, you’re asked to enter your name and email address. Based on how you answered the question, you’ll get a simple response like: “The results of your online hearing tests indicate you may have hearing loss.”
While Healthy Hearing uses a simple multiple-choice format, it doesn’t give you an audiogram or other detailed hearing test results. The other tests on this list provide you with numerical values to gauge your hearing loss—Healthy Hearing provides you with statements like, “you may have hearing loss” (see Figure 9 below).
Figure 9 Healthy Hearing online hearing test results
If you don’t have headphones or want a simple multiple-choice test, consider the Healthy Hearing online hearing test. This test could be used as a first step in measuring your level of hearing and to understand how your potential hearing loss impacts your life, but should not be the only test used to detect hearing loss. If you want more detailed hearing test results, another company, like MDHearing, might be a better choice.
What is an online hearing test?
An online hearing test is a simple, often free tool you can use to test for hearing loss. “The results from an online hearing test can indicate whether you may have hearing loss, but you’ll still want to follow up with a professional,” said Amy Sarow, a practicing doctor of audiology based in Michigan.
While the online hearing test is a great starting point, it is not a comprehensive test and will not detect whether you have an underlying condition that’s causing your hearing loss. For a more comprehensive assessment, audiologists we spoke with recommended getting an in-person hearing test done first to rule out other causes of hearing loss that hearing aids can’t treat, such as a buildup of earwax.
If the results of the online test indicate you have severe or profound hearing loss, you should see an audiologist or hearing care specialist for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Online hearing tests vs. professional in-office tests
During an in-office visit, the hearing specialist or audiologist will perform a pure tone audiometry, which Mayfield Clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio, defines as “a painless, noninvasive hearing test that measures a person’s ability to hear different sounds, pitches, or frequencies.” [2] Mayfield Clinic. Hearing (Audiometry) Test. Found on the internet at https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-hearing.htm
“Online tests can be a good introduction to hearing. The type of device you are using, the volume you have it set at, and the earpieces (or not) you use, can all impact the precision,” said Sarah Lundstrom, AuD, a certified member of the American Academy of Audiology and a member of the Florida Academy of Audiology
Brian Murray, a hearing instrument specialist in Raleigh, North Carolina, noted that audiologists will perform other tests, such as an otoscopy (looking into the ear canal) and bone conduction testing (if there is a problem in the outer or middle ear).
During an in-person test, you’ll enter a sound-calibrated (also known as “soundproof”) room or booth where a series of sounds at varying frequencies are played through headphones into your ears. The doctor performing the test will ask you to identify which frequencies you can hear clearly.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), following the initial test frequency of 1,000 Hz, “the audiologist should test, in order, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 8,000 Hz, followed by a retest of 1,000 Hz before testing 500, 250, and 125 Hz.” [3] American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Guidelines for Manual Pure-Tone Threshold Audiometry. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/policy/gl2005-00014
What is an audiogram?
According to the ASHA, an audiogram is “a graph showing the results of a pure-tone hearing test,” which is a hearing test that “helps find the quietest sound you can hear at different pitches or frequencies.” [4] American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The Audiogram. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/audiogram/ It shows the pattern and degree of your hearing loss per ear, as well as your ability to hear low or high pitches.
Some of the companies on this list provide you with a detailed audiogram after taking your assessment.
How to take an online test
To take an online hearing test, you’ll need headphones and a computer. Many online hearing tests instruct you to set up your environment by turning your volume up to 50%–100%, ensuring you’re in a quiet room, and plugging your headphones into your computer or connecting them via Bluetooth.
You’ll go through a series of prompts, depending what you’re testing for, such as speech, tone frequency, and background noise. After the test, you’ll receive results by email or immediately on the screen. Some online tests have follow-up care with a hearing care specialist or audiologist, which you can schedule online or request to be contacted by email or phone.
Who should take an online hearing test
“An online hearing test is a great first step for anyone curious about their hearing,” said Sarow. This tool can be a good option if you have signs of hearing loss.
Signs of hearing loss
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include the feeling that others’ voices are muffled or people are mumbling; difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise or in a crowd; and trouble hearing consonants, according to the Mayo Clinic. [5] Mayo Clinic. Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that if you have ringing in the ears, need to turn up the volume on the television or radio, or are hypersensitive to certain sounds, these all could be signs of hearing loss. [6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Do I Know If I Have Hearing Loss Caused by Loud Noise. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_do_i_know_if_i_have_hearing_loss.html
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, experts encourage you to get a hearing test—and not to wait. That’s because people wait, on average, 10 years from realizing they have hearing loss to purchasing hearing aids, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. [7] Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
And research compiled by ASHA shows that untreated hearing loss is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, dementia, cognitive decline, and social isolation. [8] American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Untreated Hearing Loss in Adults. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/articles/untreated-hearing-loss-in-adults/ The same compilation of research found that being fit with hearing aids improves quality of life not only for the wearer but also their partner. Audiologists recommend starting with an in-person hearing test if you’ve never had a hearing test before.
How often to take an online hearing test
Both of the audiologists our Reviews Team interviewed for this article recommended hearing tests starting at 50–55 years old, or sooner if issues arise. After the initial hearing test, they advise retaking the test every year or two.
Who should not take an online hearing test?
“If you have tinnitus, dizziness, or ear pain or fullness, you should have a professional exam,” said Lundstrom.
Online tests can be a convenient and free starting point, but if you notice any of the following issues, consult with a hearing care professional:
- Fluid, pus, or blood coming from one or both ears
- Sudden change in hearing or loss in one ear
- Excessive ear wax or ear pain
- Buzzing in one or both ears
Pros and cons of online hearing tests
Online hearing tests have many advantages and potential drawbacks. Check out some of the top tests we’ve considered.
What to look for in the best online hearing tests
Type
First, make sure you understand the type of hearing test. Most online hearing tests use an air conduction test, which transmits sound vibrations into different parts of the ear (outer, middle, and inner ear). An in-person hearing test will use bone conduction, which uses a tool called a bone oscillator to transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear and cochlea. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped bone deep in your ear that plays a key role in the auditory system.
While an air conduction test may identify if you have hearing loss, a bone conduction test helps determine where the hearing loss is located in the ear.
Method
Next, make sure you know what method the test will use to test your hearing. Pure tone and word recognition are the most common types of online hearing tests.
- A pure tone test measures the softest sound you can hear in decibels (dB).
- Word recognition tests measure your ability to understand speech at a level that is comfortably heard.
“The most useful [online] test is the pure-tone screening, which more closely resembles a professional hearing test,” said Sarow. The majority of the tests described in this review are pure-tone screenings.
And Lundstrom noted that tests which use simulated background noise can be a great early indicator of hearing loss if the user is unable to decipher spoken words through the noise. An example of a background noise test is the one offered by Best Buy.
What to look for in a hearing aid
When searching for hearing aids, you’ll want to consider several factors, such as your degree of hearing loss, budget, and features. After consulting with a hearing care specialist or audiologist, if they determine you need hearing aids, consider the following:
- Degree of hearing loss: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, you have a wider range of traditional and OTC hearing aid options. For those with more severe hearing loss, you will need a more advanced, prescription hearing aid that will be customized to your ears.
- Budget: In our Reviews Team’s survey of hearing aid users, cost was the second-most important factor when shopping for hearing aids (the first was “ease of set up and use of devices”). Depending on your budget, you might consider more affordable hearing aid options, such as Jabra Enhance, Audien, or Lexie Hearing devices.
- Features: You might consider what features are important to you in a hearing aid. For example, do you want Bluetooth capabilities and access to a smartphone app for hearing aid adjustments? Do you prefer rechargeable hearing aids? Rechargeable batteries were a top-ranked feature in our Reviews Team’s hearing aid survey.
Are online hearing tests accurate?
Online hearing tests can be just as accurate as in-person assessments, according to research from 2019. [9] Mosley, C, et al. Reliability of the Home Hearing Test: Implications for Public Health. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. March 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710072/pdf/nihms-1044717.pdf But the accuracy may depend on your testing set-up and environment. For example, if there’s a lot of background noise around you while taking the test (in addition to the background noise that’s part of the test), or your headphones aren’t fitted snugly enough to your ears, the results may not be accurate. Experts recommend using over-the-ear headphones (headphones that completely cover both ears) for online hearing tests, since they help block out background noise compared with earbud-style headphones.
It’s important to remember that an online hearing test can only detect your degree of hearing loss, while an in-person hearing test conducted by a hearing professional can diagnose possible causes. Many audiologists recommend starting with an in-person test if you’ve never had one.
What to do after taking an online hearing test
If your results show that you have hearing loss after completing an online hearing test, connect with a hearing care professional or an audiologist. Many of the hearing tests on this list offer phone or email follow-up care with audiologists or hearing care specialists. You can also visit a local hearing care clinic. From there, the hearing professional will help you determine the next steps or potential need for hearing aids.
Bottom line
While an in-person hearing exam is the best way to detect underlying conditions that may be causing your hearing loss, online hearing tests are a convenient way to determine if you have hearing loss without having to go into a clinic or office. This is one of the first steps to identifying whether you need hearing aids.
In this review, our Reviews Team selected our top six free online hearing tests. Jabra Enhance won “Easiest to Use.” If you’re seeking more detailed results, you might consider the Phonak or MDHearing online hearing assessments, which were selected for “Simplest Results” and “Best Detailed Results,” respectively.
If your top concern is figuring how to schedule follow-up care, check out the Eargo online hearing test. It was selected as “Best for Virtual Follow-Up Appointments” for its easy scheduling calendar feature. Hesitant to go through a specific hearing aid company? Our Reviews Team chose Best Buy as “Best Retailer Test,” compared with other retailers we tested.
And finally, if you don’t have headphones or would prefer a multiple-choice quiz, check out Healthy Hearing, our selection for “Best Multiple-Choice Test.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can take a hearing test online. Many hearing aid companies offer this as a free option, including brands like Jabra Enhance and Eargo. Some retailers that sell over-the-counter hearing aids, like Best Buy, also have an online hearing test.
Yes, most online hearing tests are free.
Most tests recommend using headphones in the online hearing test, and you will get the best results using headphones that fit snugly on your ears, but it’s not required.
Finding the best online hearing test for you varies on a few factors. For example, what you want to test for, if you want to include your email address and phone number, or if you’re looking for instant results versus emailed results. Our Reviews Team suggest six options, such as the MDHearing and Jabra Enhance online hearing tests.
Research shows online hearing tests can be just as accurate as in-person assessments. Though, it’s dependent on your environment, like if there is background noise. An important note is while online hearing tests can detect if you have hearing loss, they can’t determine where the hearing loss newinates.
You are not required to take an online hearing test to purchase some over-the-counter hearing aids, such as Lexie or Eargo. But it’s recommended to consult with a professional hearing care specialist before buying a hearing aid.
The Pacific Audiology Clinic in Oregon recommends that you make sure your ears are not exposed to loud noise before taking a hearing test. [7] Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss “Avoid any noise louder than a vacuum cleaner for about 12 hours before your hearing test.”
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
- National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders. Quick Statistics About Hearing. Found on the internet at https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
- Mayfield Clinic. Hearing (Audiometry) Test. Found on the internet at https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-hearing.htm
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Guidelines for Manual Pure-Tone Threshold Audiometry. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/policy/gl2005-00014
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The Audiogram. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/audiogram/
- Mayo Clinic. Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Do I Know If I Have Hearing Loss Caused by Loud Noise. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_do_i_know_if_i_have_hearing_loss.html
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Untreated Hearing Loss in Adults. Found on the internet at https://www.asha.org/articles/untreated-hearing-loss-in-adults/
- Mosley, C, et al. Reliability of the Home Hearing Test: Implications for Public Health. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. March 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710072/pdf/nihms-1044717.pdf