Online Hearing Test
Millions of people each year choose to do online hearing tests. The convenience of being able to take the test in the privacy of your own home is a big draw, but how accurate are these tests? And can you use them if you have hearing loss? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get the most accurate results from an online hearing test.
What to Know
If you’re considering taking an online hearing test, it’s important to know that these tests are a screening and are not meant to be a replacement for a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a licensed professional. However, an online hearing test can be a helpful first step to determine whether you have hearing loss.
There are many different online tests available, and they all work in slightly different ways. Most of them will ask you to listen to a series of tones or words at different volumes and frequencies and then indicate whether you heard them correctly. Some tests check the softest sounds you can hear, while other tests check how well you hear in background noise. Depending on the online hearing test, you will listen for words or listen for soft tones. However, it is essential to note that a frequency hearing test is not recommended.
Some online hearing tests will also ask you questions about your medical history and any medications you’re taking that could affect your hearing. It’s important to answer these questions as accurately as possible, as they can help the results of the online hearing test be more accurate.
Good Screening Tool
- In general, an online hearing test is a reliable screening tool. However, there are a few things that can affect how accurate they are. First, if you have any kind of hearing loss, it’s likely that the results of the test will be less accurate.
- Second, online hearing tests can be affected by background noise. If you’re taking the test in a noisy environment, it can make it more difficult to hear the tones or words correctly. Make sure you’re in a quiet room before you start the test.
Note: When taking the test, using good quality headphones will give the best results for an online hearing test because this can test each ear separately. Make sure you’re using headphones that fit snugly and aren’t letting any outside noise in. This will help you hear the tones or words more clearly and give you more accurate results. Using a loudspeaker on the computer will not give ear-specific results.
- Finally, how well you focus on the test can also affect the results. If you’re not paying attention to the instructions or if you’re trying to multitask while taking the test, it can impact your results.
A Good First Step
Overall, a free online hearing test is a helpful tool, but they should not be used as a replacement for a comprehensive hearing test by a professional. If you have any concerns about your hearing, make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional. They can provide you with a more accurate diagnosis and help you find the treatment you need. Here are reasons to get a hearing test.
Check out this TikTok video about a hearing test for someone with hearing loss:
Resound online hearing test
Visit Resound’s test here.
Phonak online hearing test
Visit Phonak’s test here.
What do I do next?
Remember that a free online hearing test is a starting point. If you do a free online hearing test, your results will suggest whether or not to follow up with a qualified hearing care professional. Then, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with an audiologist to have a thorough, professional hearing test. At this appointment, the hearing care professional will go over the results from the professional hearing test. You’ll be able to ask questions and also go over next steps for recommended treatment options, such as a hearing aid.
A qualified hearing care professional is trained in professional hearing care. Read more about the difference between a hearing care professional, such as hearing instrument specialist, versus an audiologist, in this article.
What does a hearing test show?
A hearing test shows what your hearing looks like at specific frequencies. It can indicate whether you have hearing loss and how much. A hearing test also looks at your speech clarity, which is important if you have hearing loss and are considering hearing aids.
Have you ever done a free hearing test? What did you think of it?
Looking for hearing solutions? Try this article.
