Best Online Hearing Tests Of 2025: According To Audiologists

Methodology: How We Picked the Best Online Hearing Tests

To determine the top online hearing tests, the editorial team consulted two audiologists, requesting they share which online hearing tests they prefer and why based on their expertise, including reasons they trust the brand providing the test and the test’s noteworthy features.

Our editor also took each test, noting the benefits and drawbacks of each option and exploring website content and services available to users after taking each test.

How Do Online Hearing Tests Work?

Online hearing tests are designed to test a person’s ability to hear sounds, words and noises in both quiet and loud environments. Each test differs in length, though most range from three to five minutes. They cycle through a series of questions, recording a person’s age, how they would rate their current hearing ability and whether they experience symptoms such as ear pain. Some online hearing tests use background noise to identify how well a person can hear in a noisy environment and generally request a person to identify words, numbers or environmental sounds like birds chirping.

Tests may require a user to take the test with a pair of headphones or in a quiet place without interruption to ensure the most accurate results. However, it’s important to note that online hearing tests should all be considered screenings, not official hearing tests, says Sreek Cherukuri, M.D., a Chicago-area board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and hearing aid expert.

Once a person completes an online hearing test, the results can be presented in varying forms, such as via email or with a chart indicating where they fall in terms of their hearing loss.

Who Should Take an Online Hearing Test?

Online hearing tests may be best suited for people who suspect they may be experiencing signs of hearing loss or who work in loud environments like factories or restaurants. Additionally, people who simply want to check their hearing ability may benefit from taking an online hearing screening.

Anyone noticing the following signs of hearing loss should consider taking a hearing test:

• Interpreting other people speaking as mumbling

• Turning up TV or music volume so loud that other people complain

• Experiencing difficulty hearing over the phone

• Struggling to understand what others are saying, particularly in a noisy environment

• Having difficulty hearing high-pitched voices and sounds

• Experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

Who Should Not Use Online Hearing Tests?

People who experience symptoms of tinnitus, dizziness or vertigo should consider visiting a hearing health professional rather than taking an online hearing test, as a hearing health professional can address these issues during an examination and help determine an underlying cause. People who perceive that one ear hears better than the other should also see a provider.

Additionally, individuals who experience symptoms like ear wax, draining or bleeding may consider seeking an in-person examination as these factors can impact the results of an online hearing test and are best evaluated by a hearing health professional.

Pros and Cons of Online Hearing Tests

Online hearing tests have both benefits and drawbacks, depending on a user’s specific hearing needs.

PROS

• Accessible and easy to take at home

• Quick—most online hearing tests take between three to five minutes to complete

• Minimal equipment needed

• Can help indicate a person’s degree of hearing loss

CONS

• Results are not considered an official diagnosis

• Interruptions or taking the test in a loud environment may cause inaccurate results

• May require a user to share contact information to get test results

Are Online Hearing Tests Accurate?

Experts agree online hearing tests should be considered screening tools and not replacements for comprehensive hearing tests performed by an audiologist or hearing health specialist.

“The most successful hearing screenings are based on research that includes thousands of audiograms to provide accurate results,” says Dr. Sarow. “When the user follows the directions for the test, the results of an online hearing screening, in most cases, are an accurate indicator of whether a test taker has some hearing impairment,” she adds.

“If you take an online hearing test and pass, then you likely don’t have hearing loss,” adds Dr. Cherukuri. “But if you don’t pass, you should get an in-person hearing test—most of which are free or covered by insurance.”

“The hearing tests recommended have been validated by researchers and are decently accurate and very safe,” says Dr. Bilodeau. “However, this doesn’t rule out all possible variations with different devices and headphones. If you’re concerned about your results from an online hearing test, consult an audiologist near you for a full diagnostic evaluation.”

Online Hearing Test vs. In-Office Hearing Tests

In-office hearing tests typically consist of pure tone testing, during which an individual wears headphones and raises their hand whenever they hear a tone, often a “beep.” Pure tone testing helps to identify the quietest sound an individual is able to hear at different frequencies and can determine if they have hearing loss in one or both ears.

Audiologists may also use otoscopy testing during an in-office visit to determine if ear wax or fluid is blocking an individual’s outer or middle ear. This test uses a small device behind a person’s ear or on their forehead that causes their skull to gently vibrate and informs the audiologist of an individual’s hearing ability. It can also help identify problems in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections, among other concerns. What’s more, audiologists test word understanding and sentences in noise to gain a better understanding of how someone is functioning.

Meanwhile, at-home online hearing tests offer a first step in assessing a person’s ability to hear. However, online tests cannot diagnose medical conditions or identify the reasons behind an individual’s perceived hearing loss.

How to Choose the Best Online Hearing Test for You

When it comes to choosing an online hearing test, there are several factors to take into consideration.

“First, choose an online hearing test from a reputable source,” says Dr. Bilodeau.

It’s also essential to follow the specific test instructions properly, notes both Dr. Bilodeau and Dr. Sarow. “For example, find a quiet room and appropriate headphones before starting the test. If the test results indicate possible hearing impairment, it’s best to follow up with a professional,” says Dr. Bilodeau.

“All online hearing tests will require headphones, and a stable internet connection is always good as well,” says Dr. Sarow. “Some online hearing tests are designed as a screening to determine whether you should seek a full consultation with an audiologist, while others provide more detailed information,” she adds. Consider which test type is appropriate for your needs when deciding which online hearing test might be most appropriate for you.

When to See a Doctor About Hearing Loss

There are many instances during which it may make sense to see a doctor about hearing loss, including:

• Hearing that gradually worsens

• Hearing that differs between the ears

• Persistent hearing loss after treatment for ear infection or earwax build-up

• Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears

• Hearing that progressively worsens over days or weeks

• Hearing loss with other symptoms like pain or discharge

Additionally, it may be beneficial for a person to visit a hearing health specialist if they work in a loud environment, have a history of exposure to loud noise or have difficulty hearing or understanding when others are speaking.