Online hearing test: a quick check with tones

Put on headphones, find a quiet room and check which tones you hear in each ear, and the highest pitch you can hear. It takes about five minutes.

A quick check, not a medical test. It cannot measure hearing loss. If you notice a change in your hearing, see a doctor or a hearing professional (audiologist). Sudden hearing loss needs a doctor straight away.

Set a safe volume. Turn your volume down, press "Play a test tone", then turn it up until the tone is quiet but clear.
Listen for beeps. You will hear short beeps in one ear at a time, getting quieter. Answer each time.

Press "Start" when you are ready.

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How to use it

Put on headphones or earbuds, the right way round, and sit somewhere quiet.
Turn the volume down, press "Play a test tone", then raise it until the tone is quiet but clear.
Press "Start" and answer after each beep. The beeps move between your left and right ear.
Read your results, then try "Highest pitch" to find the top of your hearing range.

Screenshot of the Hearing test tool on Sureno, in use — Hearing test in use: a real screenshot of this page.

Questions and answers

Is this a real hearing test?

No. A real hearing test uses calibrated equipment in a quiet booth. This check only compares your ears and the tones with each other, using your own device and volume.

Why do I need headphones?

Headphones send each beep to one ear and block room noise. Phone and laptop speakers often cannot play very high or very quiet tones.

What is normal for the highest pitch?

It falls gradually with age. Young adults often hear up to about 17,000 Hz; many older adults hear well below that. Cheap speakers also cut off high tones.

When should I see a professional?

If one ear seems weaker, if you often ask people to repeat themselves, or if you have ringing in your ears. Sudden hearing loss needs a doctor the same day.