Online hearing Tests vs. In-Person Evaluations: What to Consider

There’s nothing you can’t do online now – including getting a hearing test! The real question here is are they any good? What are they like in comparison to getting a hearing test from an audiologist?

What Are Online Hearing Tests and How Do They Work?

Online hearing tests are a very simplified version of the test you’d receive from your audiologist. The difference is that you can take the test from the comfort of your own home. There are many different services offering free hearing tests, but they will all usually comprise of:

• • Getting your contact details.
  • Making sure your computer volume is high enough for the test to work.
  • Listening to a series of noises or speech at different volumes.
  • Making a note of what you’re able to hear.

Receiving results.

However, these results aren’t as accurate as having a hearing test in-person with your audiologist. This is because even though there’s steps taken to ensure your volume is correct, there might be some other technological issues at hand.

Why Take an Online Hearing Test?

Taking an online hearing test is great for those who suspect that they may have some form of hearing loss. The test is free, you can do it at home and you can have your results quickly. While the test isn’t as detailed as the one at your audiologist’s office, they can be used as a great indicator of hearing loss.

What Online Hearing Tests Can’t Do

An online hearing test leaves room for a lot of error, whether that’s human or your computer not playing sounds as it should. Not only that, but an in-depth hearing test at your audiologist’s office will let you know the cause, the type of hearing loss and the severity of it too. Not only that, but you can’t use the results of an online hearing test to program a hearing aid if you are found to have hearing loss. Your audiologist is able to do this from their tests.

Because of this, there is no substitute for visiting your audiologist in person when it comes to diagnosing hearing loss. While online screenings can be indicative of hearing loss, they are not a replacement for a hearing test provided by an audiologist.

When Should I See an Audiologist?

If you have taken an online test and the results showed you may have hearing loss, you should make an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible. However, as these tests might not be accurate, you should also make an appointment if you notice any of the following:

• You often miss what people are saying and ask them to repeat themselves.
• You need the TV louder than you used to.
• You feel like others are mumbling.
• You find it difficult to follow a conversation if there is a lot of background noise.
• You miss phone calls or deliveries because you couldn’t hear the phone ring or the door knock.

If any of the above is true, it’s worth getting it checked out. Hearing aids can greatly improve your hearing and your general quality of life! Talk with an audiologist about scheduling a hearing test.