Online hearing tests are a useful starting point to see if you may have hearing loss. It’s convenient and easy to use. If you do not follow all instructions, such as adjusting the volume properly, the results may be distorted. Additionally, online hearing tests are not as comprehensive as in-office hearing tests and cannot diagnose the type or cause of your hearing loss. Audiologists have expertise and better tools, and they work in acoustically treated rooms with specialized equipment. healthy hearing. Even if the online test doesn’t reveal any problems, it’s still worth getting an in-person test if you have hearing problems.
Online tests typically consist of just one or two of the following test types:
- Pure tone listening to sounds of different frequencies
- Speech in noise or background noise. I need to hear certain sounds above the background noise.
- Speech audiometry. Test how well you can hear spoken audio at different volumes.
An in-office hearing test may include all of the types of tests listed above, as well as others. These include (but are not limited to):
- Bone conduction test. Tests certain areas of the ear for problems such as fluid blockage.
- Tympanometry tests how well the eardrum moves
- Otoacoustic emission testexamines the function of the inner ear.
- Physical examination of ear structures
Online hearing tests are usually free, but in-office hearing tests may come with a fee. If you have health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, your annual hearing test may be covered. Otherwise, costs vary depending on the practitioner or location.
Are online hearing tests accurate?
Which online hearing test is the most accurate?
Who should not take an online hearing test?
