Test Your Hearing
To get an idea of how well you hear, use this free online hearing test prepared by the doctors at the NY Hearing Center and then calculate your score.
To calculate your score, give yourself:
- 3 points for every “Almost always” answer,
- 2 points for every “Half the time” answer,
- 1 point for every “Occasionally” answer,
- and 0 for every “Never.”
Please note: If hearing loss runs in your family, add an additional 3 points to your overall score.
I have a problem hearing over the telephone.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
People complain that I turn the TV volume too high.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I have to strain to understand conversations.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I miss hearing some common sounds like the phone or doorbell ring.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background, such as at a party.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I get confused about where sounds come from.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I especially have trouble understanding the speech of women and children.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I have worked in noisy environments (such as assembly lines, construction sites, or near jet engines).
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
Many people I talk to seem to mumble, or don’t speak clearly.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
People get annoyed because I misunderstand what they say.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate responses.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear I’ll make improper replies.
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
Ask a family member or friend to answer this question: Do you think this person has a hearing loss?
- Almost always +3
- Half the time +2
- Occasionally +1
- Never +0
Add it up. Now, what’s your total for this free online hearing test?
The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery recommends the following:
- 0-5 points—Your hearing is fine. No action is required.
- 6-9 points—Suggest you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
- 10+ points—Strongly recommend you see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
We hope you found this free online hearing test useful. Please feel free to share it with your family and friends.
