What Is Your Hearing Range?
This test plays calibrated tones at 16 frequencies from 125 Hz to 20 kHz using the Web Audio API OscillatorNode and GainNode. For each frequency, volume decreases until you can no longer hear it, determining your hearing threshold. Results are plotted on an audiogram for left and right ears separately (32 steps total). Normal hearing is -10 to 25 dB HL across all frequencies. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) typically affects 4 kHz and above first. All processing runs locally — zero network requests.
Measures hearing thresholds at 16 frequencies (125 Hz to 20 kHz) for each ear, reporting results in dB HL on an audiogram.
Normal hearing threshold is -10 to 25 dB HL; age-related loss typically starts at 4 kHz, worsening by roughly 1 dB per year after age 30.
What Do Your Results Mean?
| Result | Range | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Good | -10 to 25 dB HL across all frequencies | Your hearing is within the normal range. You can perceive quiet sounds and should have no difficulty with speech or music. |
| Warning | 26 to 40 dB HL at one or more frequencies | Mild hearing loss detected. You may miss soft speech or high-frequency consonants (s, f, th). Consider consulting an audiologist for a clinical evaluation. |
| Bad | Above 40 dB HL at one or more frequencies | Moderate or greater hearing loss. Speech understanding in noisy environments is likely affected. A professional audiological evaluation is recommended. |
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Results show hearing loss but I think my hearing is fine
Background noise significantly affects results. Retest in a quiet room using over-ear headphones. This browser test is not calibrated to clinical standards — it provides an estimate, not a medical diagnosis.
Cannot hear any tones during the test
Check that your system volume is at 50% or higher and that the correct output device is selected. The test starts at 80 dB HL — if this is inaudible, the output volume may be too low.
Results are very different between left and right ears
A difference of more than 15 dB HL between ears at the same frequency is called asymmetric hearing loss. Verify headphones are worn correctly (L/R markings). If the difference persists, consult an audiologist.
High-frequency tones (4 kHz and above) are inaudible
High-frequency hearing loss is common with age. Under 30: hearing up to 16-17 kHz is typical. Over 50: 8-12 kHz is normal. If loss at 4 kHz is sudden or in one ear only, seek medical evaluation.