Best Online Hearing Tests Of 2024, According To Audiologists (2024)

To determine the top online hearing tests, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted two audiologists on the Forbes Health Advisory Board, requesting they share which online hearing tests they prefer and why based on their expertise, including reasons they trust the brand providing the test and the test’s noteworthy features.

Our editor also took each test, noting the benefits and drawbacks of each option and exploring website content and services available to users after taking each test.

Online hearing tests offer a convenient way to evaluate how well an individual is able to hear and determine if they should seek follow-up care with a hearing health professional. These tests typically ask an individual to identify different tones at various frequencies to determine their degree of hearing loss. Some online hearing tests use background noise to identify how well a person can hear in a noisy environment and generally request a person to identify words, numbers or environmental sounds like birds chirping.

Fortunately, an individual can typically take an online hearing test from the comfort of their home via a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. It’s generally recommended to take an online hearing test in a quiet environment, and some hearing tests may suggest that individuals use headphones to receive accurate results.

Most (if not all) hearing test providers note that taking an online hearing test should be the first step in addressing hearing loss, and results are not meant to serve as an official diagnosis. If a person’s test results indicate hearing loss, they should see an audiologist or hearing care provider who can provide an official and comprehensive diagnosis, as well as recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

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Online hearing tests are designed to test a person’s ability to hear sounds, words and noises in both quiet and loud environments. Each test differs in length, though most range from three to five minutes. They cycle through a series of questions, recording a person’s age, how they would rate their current hearing ability and whether they experience symptoms such as ear pain. They then play a series of sounds and tones for a person to identify. Tests may require a user to take the test with a pair of headphones or in a quiet place without interruption to ensure the most accurate results. However, it’s important to note that online hearing tests should all be considered screenings, not official hearing tests, says Sreek Cherukuri, M.D., a Chicago-area board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and hearing aid expert.

Once a person completes an online hearing test, the results can be presented in varying forms, such as via email or with a chart indicating where they fall in terms of their hearing loss.

An individual should consider taking a hearing test if they notice signs of hearing loss, including:

• Interpreting other people speaking as mumbling
• Turning up TV or music volume so loud that other people complain
• Experiencing difficulty hearing over the phone
• Struggling to understand what others are saying, particularly in a noisy environment
• Having difficulty hearing high-pitched voices and sounds
• Experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, like hearing ringing in your ear

Additionally, people who work in noisy environments may want to consider getting their hearing checked at least once per year.

To prepare for an online hearing test, most hearing professionals recommend following these steps:

• Find a quiet area free of distractions
• Select which device speakers or headphones to use for the test (some online hearing tests may recommend using headphones for more accurate results)
• Make sure the volume is set to a comfortable level
• Begin the test

Online hearing tests may be best suited for people who suspect they may be experiencing signs of hearing loss or who work in loud environments like factories or restaurants. Additionally, individuals who simply want to check their hearing ability may benefit from taking an online hearing screening.

How Often to Take an Online Hearing Test

If you have diagnosed hearing loss, it may be beneficial to test your hearing every few years. Additionally, those who work in loud environments may also want to consider testing their hearing every few years.

People who experience symptoms of tinnitus, dizziness or vertigo should consider visiting a hearing health professional rather than taking an online hearing test, as a hearing health professional can address these issues during an examination and help determine an underlying cause. People who perceive that one ear hears better than the other should also see a provider.

Additionally, individuals who experience these symptoms like ear wax, draining or bleeding may consider seeking an in person examination as these factors can impact the results of an online hearing test and are best evaluated by a hearing health professional.

Online hearing tests have both benefits and drawbacks, depending on a user’s specific hearing needs.

Experts agree online hearing tests should be considered screening tools and not replacements for comprehensive hearing tests performed by an audiologist or hearing health specialist.

“The most successful hearing screenings are based on research that includes thousands of audiograms to provide accurate results,” says Dr. Sarow. “When the user follows the directions for the test, the results of an online hearing screening, in most cases, are an accurate indicator of whether a test taker has some hearing impairment,” she adds.

“If you take an online healing test and pass, then you likely don’t have hearing loss,” adds Dr. Cherukuri. “But if you don’t pass, you should get an in-person hearing test—most of which are free or covered by insurance.”

“The hearing tests recommended [by Forbes Health] have been validated by researchers and are decently accurate and very safe,” says Dr. Bilodeau. “However, this doesn’t rule out all possible variations with different devices and headphones. If you’re concerned about your results from an online hearing test, consult an audiologist near you for a full diagnostic evaluation.

Many online hearing tests are available for free, which makes them a convenient first-step in assessing one’s hearing ability. Keep in mind, though, that online hearing tests cannot replace a physical exam or provide a medical diagnosis.

Can You Get a Free Online Hearing Test?

Yes, there are many online hearing tests that are available to take for free. What’s more, many of these hearing tests are offered by hearing aid manufacturers.

In-office hearing tests typically consist of pure tone testing, during which an individual wears headphones and raises their hand whenever they hear a tone, often a “beep.” Pure tone testing helps to identify the quietest sound an individual is able to hear at different frequencies and can determine if they have hearing loss in one or both ears.

Audiologists may also use otoscopy testing during an in-office visit to determine if ear wax or fluid is blocking an individual’s outer or middle ear. This test uses a small device behind a person’s ear or on their forehead that causes their skull to gently vibrate and informs the audiologist of an individual’s hearing ability. It can also help identify problems in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections, among other concerns. What’s more, audiologists test word understanding and sentences in noise to gain a better understanding of how someone is functioning.

Meanwhile, at-home online hearing tests offer a first step in assessing an individual’s ability to hear. However, online tests cannot diagnose medical conditions or identify the reasons behind an individual’s perceived hearing loss.

Many online hearing tests offer recommendations for next steps, such as visiting an audiologist, depending on an individual’s results. If an online hearing test suggests that an individual may have hearing loss, it’s often beneficial to visit a hearing health specialist for a thorough evaluation and to discuss appropriate treatment options.

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When it comes to choosing an online hearing test, there are several factors to take into consideration, according to Forbes Health Advisory Board members.

“First, choose an online hearing test from a reputable source,” says Dr. Bilodeau.

It’s also essential to follow the specific test instructions properly, notes both Dr. Bilodeau and Dr. Sarow. “For example, find a quiet room and appropriate headphones before starting the test. If the test results indicate possible hearing impairment, it’s best to follow up with a professional,” says Dr. Bilodeau.

“All online hearing tests will require headphones, and a stable internet connection is always good as well,” says Dr. Sarow. “Some online hearing tests are designed as a screening to determine whether you should seek a full consultation with an audiologist, while others provide more detailed information,” she adds. Consider which test type is appropriate for your needs when deciding which online hearing test might be most appropriate for you.

There are many instances during which it may make sense to see a doctor about hearing loss, including:

• Hearing that gradually worsens
• Hearing that differs between the ears
• Persistent hearing loss after treatment for ear infection or earwax build-up
• Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
• Hearing that progressively worsens over days or weeks
• Hearing loss with other symptoms like pain or discharge

Additionally, it may be beneficial for a person to visit a hearing health specialist if they work in a loud environment, have a history of exposure to loud noise or have difficulty hearing or understanding when others are speaking.