How can I test my hearing at home?

A free online hearing test, or screener, such as those from Hearing Australia or Know Your Noise, gives a quick indication in a few minutes using headphones. It is a helpful prompt, not a diagnosis. A proper diagnostic test with an audiologist is the only way to confirm the type and degree of any hearing loss. It also recommends the right next steps.

What can an online hearing test or screener tell you?

Most online screeners play a short series of tones or speech-in-noise samples. They give you a general screening result, such as "your hearing appears typical" or "you may benefit from a full assessment." They are designed as an accessible first step, not a clinical tool.

What an online hearing screener cannot tell you

• The precise degree of hearing loss in each ear
• Whether the cause is temporary (such as ear wax) or permanent
• Which pitches are affected and by how much
• Whether a hearing aid, medical treatment or simple ear care would help

These details need proper diagnostic equipment, a calibrated sound booth and a trained clinician. Only an in-clinic assessment provides them.

How accurate are at home hearing tests?

Home tests use consumer headphones and everyday environments. Both vary in accuracy compared with calibrated clinical equipment used in a quiet sound booth. This makes them useful as a rough guide, but not reliable enough to base decisions on. Background noise, headphone quality and device volume can all skew the results.

Should you still book a professional test (diagnostic)?

Yes, if a home screener suggests possible hearing loss, or if you notice any of the common signs, such as frequently asking people to repeat themselves or turning the volume up louder than others prefer. A professional test, done as a full diagnostic assessment, confirms what is happening. Unlike a screener, it can also identify treatable causes such as ear wax build-up.

For more information, visit Healthdirect (healthdirect.gov.au) (opens in a new tab).

Sources: Healthdirect; Hearing Australia. Information current July 2026 and general in nature.