Even though hearing aids are smaller and smarter than ever before (they’re nearly invisible!) the age-old stigma around having to wear hearing aids is a big reason why so many people unfortunately avoid getting tested and the treatment they desperately need. The good news is you can get started with our simple test from the comfort and privacy of home. It’s a great way to dip your toe in the water and get more information about your hearing health before you make an in-person appointment.

HearUSA wants to help you learn about the benefits of our Online Hearing Test, how it works, and what steps you can take based on your results. Keep in mind that all online hearing tests have limitations and don’t replace a professional hearing screening with a hearing care professional. Therefore, if needed, HearUSA will help you find the right hearing care professional near you to get you on the path to better hearing.

Purpose of the Online Hearing Test

Our Online Hearing Test is an easy, painless and convenient way to get insights into your hearing health, including understanding potential hearing issues and if a more in-depth hearing screening is necessary. This preliminary assessment can help you prepare for an in-person test with a hearing care professional, too, if needed. It’s a great first step toward protecting your hearing and overall well-being for the long-term.

Key Features and Advantages

The HearUSA Online Hearing Test is free and user-friendly with no guesswork involved. We made sure it was designed with an easy-to-use interface so anyone can get insights into their hearing health within minutes. The test features a series of questions about how well you’re hearing in different environments as well as tone and speech recognition exercises. You’ll be guided every step of the way so you don’t have to worry about anything other than focusing on your hearing. The best thing? The hearing test takes less than 5 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into your day.

Advantages of our hearing test include:

• Simplicity: Getting a snapshot of your hearing health shouldn’t be hard. The HearUSA Online Hearing Test is a quick, simple and straightforward way to find out if you're hearing your best.
• Quick results: Once the test is complete, your results are delivered promptly. This means you’ll know almost instantly what sounds you’re hearing well, which are more challenging, and if you need to take additional action.
• Accessible high-quality testing: HearUSA believes that high-quality hearing care and  testing should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we created a test that can be accessed at home and with ease. It’s an invaluable tool for taking a step toward better hearing health.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Test

In order to help you prepare and know what to expect, here is a step-by-step guide to taking the test. Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll follow simple instructions on each screen. Remember, following along with the test is easy and it only takes less than five minutes to complete. It’s streamlined for a great user experience in order to help you immediately understand more about your hearing health.

Step one: Visit hearusa.com/online-hearing-test/ and click on “Check My Hearing” to start the test.

Step two: A screen will appear to tell you how the test works. Select “Continue.”

Step three: The next screen will ask you to confirm your gender and age. This helps improve our ability to calculate your results.

Step four: You’ll then be asked to provide your name, email, phone number, and ZIP code so we can email your results and get in touch if needed.

Step five: The test will begin with asking you seven questions about your hearing. Example: “How would you describe your hearing?” A range of answers are then provided for you to choose from, so you’ll select the one that most closely matches your hearing ability.

Step six: You’ll next be asked if you’re in a quiet place, as the audio portion of the test will begin next.

Step seven: Confirm on the next screen if you’re using in-ear or over-the-ear headphones for the test, and then if they’re connected by wire or wirelessly. You’ll be asked to connect them and set the volume to 100%. Guidance is provided on the screen if needed.

Step eight: You’ll have a chance to test your volume setup and connection on the next screen.

Step nine: The tone testing and speech recognition will begin, first by playing sounds in your right ear, then your left.

Step 10: That’s it! It’s time to view your results!

HearUSA made sure to implement best practices when developing our Online Hearing Test to make it as reliable as possible for you. In order to optimize hearing test accuracy, be sure to follow these tips:*

1. Review test instructions in advance so you know what to expect on the day you take the test.
2. Get plenty of sleep the night before the test so you’re well rested and focused.
3. Make sure you’re sitting in a quiet room or other quiet environment with no background noise. That means turning off the TV, shutting the windows and doors, and asking family or roommates if they can remain quiet in the house for 5 minutes while you take the test.
4. Use quality earbuds or over-the-ear headphones that you can connect to your desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone, depending on which device you’re using to take the test. Over-the-ear headphones may provide the most accurate results. Make sure your headphones are in good working order before the day of the test to avoid any surprises.
5. Don’t rush through the test. Take a deep breath and take your time.

Convenience and Accessibility

HearUSA believes in accessible hearing care so everyone, no matter where they live or how much money they have, can continue to hear their best as they age. That’s why the no-cost HearUSA Online Hearing Test was crafted with online convenience in mind, offering you a fast, straightforward way to assess your hearing from home. It was important to HearUSA that our quick and easy hearing test has a user-friendly design to ensure everyone can easily navigate it.

Our online test provides ease and flexibility, especially for those with busy schedules or limited mobility. It’s a great way to save time and find out if you have hearing challenges before making and driving to an in-person appointment with a hearing care specialist.

Early Detection and Peace of Mind

The HearUSA hearing test is not just a great way to increase your hearing health awareness, but also a convenient tool for early detection of hearing loss. By identifying potential concerns early, you can address challenges before they worsen, take action to prevent long-term damage, and reduce impacts on your health, daily life and communication. In addition, the test delivers quick results and peace of mind and clarity about whether professional follow-up is necessary.

It may also help you or your loved one take the first step toward improving hearing health. If someone in your life has hearing loss, but won’t take action, this hearing test may be a great early intervention tool, as it may seem easier and less scary than in-person appointment.

Why It’s Not a Substitute for a Professional Evaluation

While taking the online hearing test in the privacy of your home is a great preliminary assessment, it doesn’t replace an in-person hearing test conducted by a hearing care specialist or audiologist. The online test is just the beginning.

For a complete, final diagnosis and to get the right treatment plan, professional support from one of our audiologists or hearing care specialists is essential. Professional tests include comprehensive diagnostic tools, personalized care, and precise measurements that online home screenings can’t duplicate. If you suspect hearing loss, and the online hearing test also confirms that, a professional audiological evaluation is crucial. This will ensure you have a professional, comprehensive diagnosis for the type and degree of hearing loss and for developing an effective and ongoing treatment plan.

If you experience sudden hearing loss, are experiencing ear pain, or can’t hear anything or anyone, you should skip the online hearing test and make an appointment with a hearing care specialist near you immediately. Visit our HearUSA website to search for a HearUSA hearing care specialist near you. We’re here to help.

Factors That May Affect Accuracy

There are hearing test limitations to be aware of as you prepare to take the test. The accuracy of the HearUSA hearing test may be influenced by a handful of factors, such as the quality of headphones you’re using, your device quality and settings, environmental factors (includes any background noise), and the ability to understand and follow the testing instructions. These variables can impact the reliability of results, which is why it’s so important to prepare your setup in advance, be in a quiet environment to block out background noise, and take your time during each step of the test.