Free · Private · No Sign-Up

Free Online Hearing Test

Wondering about your hearing? This quick check-in takes about five minutes and tests both ears across the frequencies that matter most for everyday conversations. No sign-up, completely private.

Take the Hearing Test

Why Check Your Hearing?

Hearing changes often happen so gradually you don't notice them. Here's why a quick check-in matters.

1 in 8 People

About 15% of adults have some degree of hearing loss. It's far more common than most people realize — and it can start earlier than you'd think.

Early Detection Helps

People wait an average of 7 years before addressing hearing changes. The earlier you know, the more options you have — from simple tools to professional support.

Stay Connected

Untreated hearing changes can lead to social withdrawal, fatigue, and frustration. Understanding your hearing is the first step to staying part of the conversations you love.

How the Test Works

Our hearing screener uses pure-tone audiometry — the same method audiologists use in their offices.

1. Put On Headphones

Find a quiet spot and grab your headphones. We'll test each ear separately to get an accurate picture.

2. Listen for Tones

You'll hear tones at different pitches and volumes. Each one pulses three times. Just tap when you hear something.

3. See Your Results

Get instant results with your personal audiogram showing how each ear performed across different frequencies.

Why Use This Free Hearing Test?

Not all online hearing tests are the same. Ours is built on clinical methods — no shortcuts, no gimmicks.

Clinical-Grade Method

Uses modified Hughson-Westlake pure-tone audiometry — the same adaptive threshold technique audiologists use in sound booths. Not a simple "can you hear this?" quiz.

Volume Calibration

Before testing, we calibrate to your specific headphones and device volume. This anchors the results to your hardware so dB levels are meaningful, not just relative.

4 Key Frequencies, Both Ears

Tests 500 Hz through 4,000 Hz — the key frequencies for speech comprehension. Each ear is tested independently with a complete audiogram at the end.

Catch Trials Built In

Silent trials are mixed in throughout the test to ensure accuracy. If you're tapping when there's no sound, the test knows — just like in a clinical setting.

Completely Private

Nothing leaves your browser. No sign-up, no account, no data collection. Your results stay on your screen and disappear when you close the page.

Frequency-Specific Calibration

Applies RETSPL offsets for each frequency — the reference values that account for how the human ear is more sensitive to some pitches than others. Most online tests skip this entirely.

Take the Test

Grab your headphones and find a quiet spot. This takes about five minutes.

Check Your Hearing

Hearing changes can sneak up on you. This quick check-in helps you understand where things stand.

If you notice any changes, real-time captions can help you stay in every conversation.

Understanding Hearing Test Results

Your results are measured in decibels hearing level (dBHL) — the quietest sound you can hear at each frequency. Lower numbers mean better hearing.

Little to No Loss (under 25 dB)

You can hear whispers and soft sounds without trouble. No action needed — just keep protecting those ears.

~

Mild Loss (26–40 dB)

Soft speech and background conversations can be tricky. You might find yourself asking "what?" more often, especially in noisy spots. Real-time captions can help.

!

Moderate Loss (41–60 dB)

Normal conversation volume is harder to follow. Group settings and phone calls become challenging. Professional evaluation recommended.

!!

Severe Loss (61–80 dB)

Only loud speech is audible. Most everyday conversations are difficult without assistance. Seeing a specialist is important.

!!!

Profound Loss (over 80 dB)

Most sounds are inaudible without amplification. Professional evaluation and assistive technology are essential for daily communication.

How Hearing Buddy Helps

Whether you're dealing with mild changes or significant hearing loss, Hearing Buddy gives you tools to stay in every conversation.

Real-Time Captions

See everything being said, instantly. Whether you're at a restaurant, in a meeting, or chatting with friends — words appear on your screen as they're spoken.

Speaker Identification

Buddy learns the voices of your family, friends, and coworkers. Each person gets their own color so you always know who's talking, even in a group.

100% Private

All processing happens on your device. No audio is ever uploaded, no transcripts are stored elsewhere. Your conversations are yours.

iPhone, Watch & Mac

Captions on your phone, a discreet glance at your wrist, or a big screen in meetings and classes. Hearing Buddy goes where you go.

Download Hearing Buddy Free

Available on iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the online hearing test.

You belong in every conversation

Whether your hearing check showed changes or not, Hearing Buddy is here to make conversations easier for everyone.

Available on iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac