While hearing loss can be isolating, it’s a common condition affecting one in eight people ages 12 and over. (1) When you can’t hear well, it impacts more than just your ears. Hearing loss is associated with social isolation, increased risk of falls, and worsening cognitive function, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. (2, 3) Early detection of hearing loss can help you receive the treatment you need to improve your quality of life and prevent further damage.
“Hearing loss is a common problem that everyone experiences from time to time,” begins Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “Most commonly it occurs when flying or traveling up a mountain, and a full sensation develops in the ears, leading to the feeling of wanting to pop the ears open to hear better. Diminished hearing may also occur during an ear infection. These causes of hearing loss are usually short-lived. The other extreme is the permanent sensorineural hearing loss that occurs with aging, which we will all experience to some degree.”
Online hearing tests offer a convenient way to test your hearing health from the comfort of your home. They’re fast and free and can help determine whether you should seek additional evaluation from a hearing specialist or consider over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
Our team of testers and expert reviewers conducted firsthand testing of multiple online hearing tests from the best hearing aid brands to help you determine which ones are worth taking. We’ve included our review of the six best online hearing tests based on the testing method, test length, and follow-up process.
Best online hearing tests overall
The Jabra Enhance online hearing test excels in testing and follow-up. It’s easy to follow and can be completed in as little as two minutes. We found the test results to be the most extensive of all the tests we completed while still being easy to understand. The Jabra Enhance team followed up quickly, offering additional support.
Our picks for the best online hearing tests
Compare online hearing tests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Jabra Enhance | MDHearing | Eargo | Product #4 | Product #5 | Starkey | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Price | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Website or app | Website | Website | Website | Website | Website | Website |
| Type | Pure-tone | Pure-tone | Pure-tone, questionnaire | Pure-tone, questionnaire | Speech-in-noise | Pure-tone, questionnaire, speech-in-noise |
| Contact information required | First name, email | Full name, email | Full name, email, phone number | Full name | None | None |
Best overall online hearing test: Jabra Enhance
Key product features
What you should know
Jabra Enhance offers a simple hearing test that gives an overview of your hearing health in each ear. The test helps determine whether you should consider hearing aids and how to customize hearing aids once received.
- The Jabra Enhance hearing test takes about two minutes to complete and tests four frequencies separately on each ear.
- The hearing test is free, but if you order hearing aids through Jabra, you can purchase a premium package for additional hearing aid support.
- This test is an excellent option for individuals looking for a quick test with easy-to-understand results.
Why we like Jabra Enhance as best overall
Jabra Enhance is a well-known brand within the audio technology industry. The website offers a quick hearing test to help you determine whether you’d be a good candidate for one of the brand’s over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. If you are, your results can help customize your devices for optimal hearing.
To complete the test, you’ll need headphones or earbuds—any functioning pair will work. Before you start, you’ll test your headphones and complete a practice round to help you understand how the test works.
The test will go through four frequencies in each ear, starting with the right ear. We found the instructions simple to follow. You’ll see a screen with numbers one through 10. As you click each number, you listen for the sound and stop at the number you can barely hear.
It took us about two minutes to complete the test, and we could see the results immediately. However, you do have to provide your first name, email, and phone number first.
The results were easy to understand, and the format was appealing. For each ear, you can see your level of impairment as outlined below:
- No impairment
- Impaired
- Significantly impaired
- Severely impaired
We liked that Jabra took the results one step further by explaining how your impairment level at each frequency can impact your hearing. For example, impairment at high frequencies might cause difficulties hearing higher-pitched voices, like those of women and children, or consonant sounds, like K, F, S, and TH.
Because I provided my contact information, I received a call immediately from a Jabra representative to help discuss my results. Additionally, I received an email with a link to my results within 10 minutes and another email from a Product Advisor offering to answer my questions through a quick call or email.
If you order hearing aids through Jabra, your results can help calibrate your devices. Jabra offers a 100-day free trial that allows you to test a device risk-free.
If you’re looking for hearing aids, check out our Jabra hearing aids review.
Specs
| Test length | Two minutes |
| Type | Pure-tone |
| Frequencies tested | Four |
| Speech comprehension test | No |
| Hearing aid trial | 100 days |
Best online hearing test with helpful results: MDHearing
Key product features
What you should know
The MDHearing test takes less than 10 minutes and gives you a comprehensive hearing report. You can use the report to determine if you’re a good candidate for hearing aids.
- The MDHearing test provided one of the most detailed reports of all the hearing tests we reviewed.
- After the test, you can call or text an audiologist to review your results.
- The MDHearing test also includes an audiogram, which isn’t available through many other online hearing tests.
Why we like MDHearing as best with helpful results
The MDHearing test was quick and simple to complete, yet it provided a more extensive hearing report than many of the other hearing tests we evaluated. Additionally, we wasted no time finding it on the website since it’s the first thing you see when you enter the site.
There is only one test option using a true-tone approach; you’ll need a computer or smartphone and headphones or earbuds to complete it. Before starting the test, you must create a profile using your full name and email address. We liked that the phone number field was optional, so we didn’t have to worry about marketing or sales calls and texts.
This test felt similar to other true-tone tests we’ve completed. You select the volume level that plays the softest sound you can hear. Each ear is tested separately at six different frequencies.
You receive your results online and through your email. However, we noticed a longer delay in receiving the email results than other competitors.
The results’ mix of colorful visual representations and text information made them quick to review and easy to understand. They display each ear’s hearing level on a healthy to profound hearing loss scale.
Additionally, MDHearing includes an audiogram as another way to view your degree of hearing loss based on the frequencies tested. Audiograms can be especially useful when evaluating hearing loss; this was the only test we found that displayed results this way. (4)
If you want to speak to an audiologist about your test results and what they mean, a number is displayed to call or text. Reviews found it easy to book a 30-minute call. However, when I tried texting the number, it took two hours to receive a response.
MDHearing also offers a large selection of budget-friendly hearing aids. Check out our MDHearing review for more information.
Specs
| Price | Free |
| Type | True-tone |
| Frequencies tested | Six |
| Speech comprehension test | No |
| Hearing aid trial | 45 days |
Best easy-to-use online hearing test: Eargo
Key product features
What you should know
Eargo combines an audio test with a brief questionnaire about how hearing impacts your daily life to help determine your need for hearing aid devices.
- The testing required additional set-up steps than other tests, but we found them quick and easy to complete.
- Before beginning the hearing test, you must provide your full name, email address, and phone number.
- The testing results don’t analyze your potential hearing impairment in depth. They only indicate whether you may be a good candidate for Eargo devices.
Why we like Eargo as best easy-to-use
Our experience evaluating the Eargo hearing test was simple from start to finish. The website prominently displays the hearing test at the top of the front page, so you don’t have to weed through product information to find it. The test is straightforward, asking you to click the button when you hear a sound. It felt similar to the hearing tests we’ve experienced in a medical provider’s office.
We found the Eargo test took a few minutes longer than other hearing tests because it required additional set-up steps. However, the easy steps may contribute to a more accurate test.
Additionally, Eargo factors in six questions about your everyday hearing experiences to help better understand how you feel about your hearing and if specific situations are more troublesome than others. Research shows that hearing questionnaires can be a reliable method for assessing the impacts of hearing impairment. (5)
Another highlight of the Eargo hearing test is its interactive virtual appointment calendar. The calendar makes scheduling a 30-minute consultation appointment quick so you can talk to a representative about which Eargo products may be appropriate for you based on your results, including one of the best invisible hearing aids on the market.
We did find the overall results page disappointing, though. Unlike other online hearing tests, you don’t get a detailed hearing health report. The only information you get is whether you’re a good candidate for Eargo hearing aids. You don’t get ear-by-ear impairment indicators or an audiogram.
We didn’t like that Eargo also required our phone number, full name, and email address. The small print indicated that we agreed to receive marketing and sales communications. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see our results without completing this step.
The hearing simulator at the end of the hearing test was a unique feature. It’s not based on your results. Instead, it allows you to experience impaired and improved hearing so you can hear the difference.
If you’re looking for OTC, rechargeable hearing aids, check out our full Eargo hearing aids review.
Specs
| Price | Free |
| Type | True-tone, questionnaire |
| Frequencies tested | Four |
| Speech comprehension test | No |
| Hearing aid trial | 45 days |
Best online hearing test with fast follow-up: Hear.com
Key product features
What you should know
The Hear.com hearing test is an excellent option if you want to easily connect with a hearing aid expert to discuss your hearing test results and explore hearing aid options.
- You can view your test results in an easy-to-read graphic that grades your hearing health for each ear as Good, Loss, or Significant Loss.
- The test is free to complete; you don’t have to provide any contact information to complete it or receive your results.
- Hear.com may be a good fit if you want to connect with a hearing care professional to discuss hearing aid brands, prices, financing, and insurance options.
Why we like Hear.com as best with fast follow-up
Hear.com provides a personalized approach to providing hearing care solutions. Once we completed the hearing test, we found it easy to quickly connect with a hearing aid expert to discuss our results and determine the next steps.
We also liked that the follow-up happened on our terms. We weren’t required to provide contact information before completing the hearing test or receiving our results, which ensured we wouldn’t be bothered with multiple phone calls, texts, or emails.
The Hear.com test took a different approach than many other tests we evaluated. In the first segment, you adjust the volume until it is as loud as you feel comfortable to sustain for at least 15 minutes. We found this question more challenging since knowing if something is too loud is more complicated than determining if you can hear a quiet sound or a specific frequency.
The rest of the test follows a format similar to other online tests. You must adjust the volume indicator until you barely hear the sound.
The test takes about five minutes, and you can see your results immediately. Each ear is scored based on hearing loss in a range of Significant Loss, Loss, or Good. We were disappointed that the results didn’t provide as much detail about hearing health at each frequency or how that may impact our ability to hear particular sounds.
However, the test does provide a visual and text explanation of how hearing aids can improve hearing based on your results.
If you feel ready to explore your hearing device options, Hear.com can connect you with one of their local partner providers for a more in-depth assessment. You can explore hearing aid models and get fitted in that same appointment.
Related: How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Specs
| Price | Free |
| Type | True-tone, speech comprehension |
| Frequencies tested | Four |
| Speech comprehension test | Yes |
| Hearing aid trial | 45 days, must qualify |
Best online hearing test for realistic sounds: Amplifon
Key product features
What you should know
Amplifon’s hearing test imitates listening to a conversation in noisy environments. At the end of each scenario, you’re asked to answer one question to test how well you understood what was said.
- After the test, you’ll receive a score from zero to 10 based on how well you understood the conversations over the background noise.
- Amplifon offers access to a brief form to check your benefits coverage for hearing health care.
- If you want to schedule a complete hearing evaluation, you can search Amplifon’s network of clinics to find a location near you.
Why we like Amplifon as best for realistic sounds
Amplifon doesn’t ask you to find a quiet space to complete its hearing test. Instead, it simulates noisy environments while asking you to follow along with conversations. Understanding speech in noisy environments is a common challenge for many in daily life. (6) Speech-in-noise hearing tests, like Amplifon’s, can help improve hearing assessments and treatment in some cases. (7)
During Amplifon’s hearing test, you listen to conversations in real-world environments, such as a sports stadium, coffee shop, park, and train station. At the end of each conversation, you answer a brief question about what you heard.
The test only takes about three minutes to complete, and the results are displayed instantly with a score between zero and 10. Based on your score, Amplifon briefly describes how severe your hearing loss may be.
We liked this real-life approach to hearing loss screening. However, we were disappointed in the vague results we received. We would have liked to get more information on the degree of hearing loss in each ear.
If your results indicate hearing loss, Amplifon suggests completing a more comprehensive in-clinic hearing evaluation. You can easily search for one of Amplifon’s partner clinics near your location and request an appointment. I found 14 clinics in Wisconsin, where I live, including one within 11 miles of my rural location.
Feeling nervous about completing a full hearing evaluation in a clinic is normal. We found that Amplifon has an easy-to-follow guide that can help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do after your appointment.
Research indicates that cost is a significant barrier to receiving hearing care. (8) Amplifon’s website has a simple form you can fill out to check your insurance coverage for hearing services and devices.
Specs
| Price | Free |
| Type | Speech-in-noise |
| Frequencies tested | None |
| Speech comprehension test | Yes |
| Hearing aid trial | 60 days |
Best all-in-one online hearing test: Starkey
Key product features
What you should know
Starkey utilizes pure-tone and speech-in-noise testing to create an all-encompassing online hearing screening. You can complete the brief questionnaire and full screening in less than five minutes.
- Our testers liked that this quick screening combined the two most common methods of online hearing testing.
- Following the free screening, you can continue your care through an authorized hearing center near you by searching Starkey’s clinic directory.
- Starkey has been providing hearing health care for over 55 years if you’re looking for a reputable company.
Why we like Starkey as best all-in-one
Starkey merges everything we like about each hearing test method into one fast and simple screening. You answer a brief questionnaire about your hearing experiences, move into true-tone testing, and finish with speech-in-noise testing. Even though you complete multiple testing methods, the screening only takes about five minutes.
Our testers also appreciated that they didn’t have to provide an email or other personal information to perform the test and receive the results. Starkey only asks you to share your age and gender before starting the screening.
The test begins with a questionnaire that includes questions similar to those of other tests we reviewed. After that, you start the true-tone portion of the test. With eight tones, Starkey tests more frequencies than any other test we took. However, it doesn’t indicate which frequency you’re testing to help you identify which ones may be harder for you to hear.
The test rounds out with the speech comprehension section. You’ll listen for a word spoken over light background noise. Then, you select the word you heard from a short list. The background noise in this test felt more natural than other tests that used overly noisy environments.
After all the ways we tested our hearing during this screening, we were surprised at how little detail was in our results. However, they were still more detailed than some of the most basic test results we received through other websites.
The results display your hearing loss within a range from normal to severe. Additionally, you get a brief explanation of how your level of hearing loss might show up for you. For example, moderate hearing loss indicates you can hear speech but have difficulty understanding words. It also demonstrates what sounds or syllables may be challenging to hear in a specific sentence.
If you feel ready to take a complete hearing evaluation or explore hearing aid options, Starkey provides a directory of authorized hearing professionals to help you find a clinic. When I searched my location in rural Wisconsin, I found five clinics within 20 miles. If your hearing professional determines you’re a good candidate for hearing aids, consider returning to Starkey to explore their hearing aid options, with their Genesis AI making our list of the best Bluetooth hearing aids.
Specs
| Price | Free |
| Type | Pure-tone, questionnaire, speech-in-noise |
| Frequencies tested | Eight |
| Speech comprehension test | Yes |
| Hearing aid trial | Determined by provider |
How we test online hearing tests
Early detection of hearing loss can be critical for reducing its impacts on quality of life and overall wellness. Online hearing tests can be a valuable tool in identifying hearing loss. Our goal is to provide the fullest picture possible of each online hearing test in this roundup. We achieve this by rigorously testing products, from their accuracy to their support and follow-up. Read our full hearing test methodology for more information on our testing process.
Accuracy and reliability—40%
At the heart of our evaluation for online hearing tests, this category assesses the tests’ fundamental ability to correctly identify hearing loss while providing precise measurements of hearing capability. The primary intention of an online hearing test is to provide a user with an initial, accurate assessment of their hearing health to help guide further steps toward intervention or treatment, which makes this category a critical piece in our testing.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Test precision
- Consistency
- Calibration
User interface and accessibility—30%
In the assessment of online hearing tests, it’s crucial to consider the user interface and accessibility since they significantly impact how easily users can engage with the test and comprehend the outcomes. A user-friendly and accessible interface plays a pivotal role in ensuring the test’s suitability for diverse users, including those who might not be adept with technology or have different levels of hearing impairment. We evaluate:
- Ease of use
- Accessibility features
- Technical compatibility
Features and functionality—20%
This category evaluates the distinct qualities and technological innovations of online hearing tests that enrich the testing experience or provide additional benefits to the user. It concentrates on how effective these features are at providing a comprehensive hearing evaluation and if they contribute to enhancing the overall user experience and effectiveness of the test.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Result presentation
- Recommendations
- Privacy and security
Support and resources—10%
As a critical piece in the testing process, this category evaluates how well the online hearing test platforms provide comprehensive service, with an emphasis on the quality and accessibility of post-test support and additional resources. Acknowledging that a user’s experience often continues beyond the initial testing phase, this aspect of our evaluation recognizes the considerable impact robust support can have on user satisfaction and their ability to manage their hearing health effectively.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Customer support
- Educational resources
- Follow-up services
How to take an online hearing test
You don’t need any special equipment besides a computer or mobile device and headphones to take an online hearing test. For the headphones, it doesn’t matter if they’re over-ear or earbuds as long as they’re working correctly—most tests have steps to test them before you start.
Next, you’ll need to find a quiet space free of background noise to help ensure the test is accurate. You will adjust your device volume as the test directs, usually between 50% and 100%. Then, simply follow the prompts on the screen to complete the test.
You can see your results instantly on the screen at the end of the test, and some companies send them by email. Some tests allow you to follow up with a hearing specialist by making an appointment online or over the phone.
What to look for in the best online hearing tests
When choosing which online hearing test to take, consider cost, type, and follow-up. First, the test should be free. You should never have to enter payment information to complete it or receive your results.
Next, determine the type of test you want to take. Pure-tone hearing tests are one of the most common types and are most closely related to those conducted by hearing professionals. In this test, you find the quietest volume you can hear each frequency. Speech-in-noise tests are another option, which asks you to verify speech comprehension while listening over background noise. You might find it most beneficial to use a test that combines both methods.
The follow-up process may be vital if you’re taking a hearing test because you have concerns about hearing loss. Many online hearing tests offer free consultation calls to discuss your hearing test results or hearing aid options. Others can connect you directly to authorized hearing clinics for additional hearing evaluations.
FAQs
Should you trust online hearing tests?
Online hearing tests can be a good starting point to help indicate whether you might be experiencing hearing loss and to what degree. Because they can be taken quickly and at home, they are also helpful for tracking changes over time. However, they cannot diagnose underlying conditions and should not substitute a comprehensive hearing exam performed by a licensed audiologist.
Other factors to consider are environmental noise and the quality of your headphones, which can make it more challenging to hear the tones or speech during the test.
What is the most accurate test for assessing hearing loss?
The most accurate hearing loss tests are those conducted in a health care provider or licensed hearing specialist’s office. A provider can perform a thorough evaluation to help determine the degree of hearing loss and where it originates, as well as diagnose underlying causes.
However, studies have shown that at-home hearing tests can be an accurate and cost-effective way to screen for hearing loss. (9)
Who shouldn’t take an online hearing test?
Online hearing tests aren’t appropriate for everyone. You should visit a medical professional if you experience tinnitus, dizziness, or vertigo. Additionally, you should seek care if you experience buzzing, ear pain, fluid or blood coming from your ear, excessive wax build-up, or a sudden change in your hearing.
Can my phone do a hearing test?
You can take most online hearing tests using any device with internet access and a headphone connection, including smartphones. Additionally, there are several smartphone apps designed to test hearing loss. Studies show that hearing tests conducted on a smartphone are accurate for screening for hearing impairment. (10)
Our experts
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. An active clinical researcher, Dr. Raj is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, and the Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine Residency at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Corey Jungwirth, NBC-HWC
Fortune Recommends Staff Writer
About Author
Corey Jungwirth is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with over 11 years of experience working in health and wellness. Additionally, she has earned certifications as a Behavioral Health Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Coach. For over five years, Corey has enjoyed combining her wellness knowledge with her passion for writing. When she’s not writing about it, Corey enjoys engaging in her own health by running, taking Peloton classes, and playing soccer and volleyball. She also enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and being outdoors as often as possible. Corey lives in a cozy home in the woods in Wisconsin with her two kids, husband, and dog, Kona.