There are so many things that can be done from the comfort of our homes. Between health apps we can run from our smartphone to home COVID tests, we have grown accustomed to self-service options. The same has happened with home hearing test kits. While these tests have become more popular by the day, are they reliable?
Below, we will discuss how home hearing tests work and whether they are as reliable as a professional test.
What Is a Home Hearing Test Kit?
It is a tool that helps check your hearing without seeing a hearing health professional. These tests can come in a few different forms:
- Online tests you take through a website
- Mobile apps you download on your phone or tablet
- Physical kits that include headphones and instructions for testing your hearing at home
Typically, home tests use the same methods and play various tones at different pitches and volumes. They will ask when you hear them. Some home tests will also ask about your hearing habits and life challenges.
How Accurate Are Home Hearing Tests?
While home hearing tests are a great way to determine if you have hearing issues, their accuracy depends on several things:
The Positives:
- Convenient: You can test your hearing anytime, anywhere.
- Affordable or free: Many online tests are free or low-cost.
- Quick results: Most tests take less than 10 minutes.
- Helpful for screening: They can show if you might need a full hearing evaluation.
The Negatives:
- No soundproof room: Background noise in your home can affect the results.
- Device differences: The sound quality of your phone, computer, or headphones may not match clinical standards.
- Limited testing range: They may not test all parts of your hearing, such as speech understanding in noisy environments.
- Not a diagnosis: These tests cannot tell you the exact cause or type of hearing loss.
Home health kits can answer some questions and give answers to determine if someone has hearing loss; however, they are not recommended as a replacement for a professional exam.
Types of Home Hearing Tests
There are several different types of tests. It’s important to find one that fits your lifestyle and your ability.
Online Hearing Tests
Usually free, online tests can be found on various websites. They might be hearing aid companies or hearing health organizations. You wear headphones when taking the test and click when you hear a specific tone.
These are usually free and found on sites for health organizations. You wear headphones during the test and click when you hear a tone.
- Good for: Quick screening
- Limitations: Results may vary depending on your device
App-Based Tests
Apps like Mimi, SonicCloud, or hearWHO let you test your hearing using a smartphone.
- Good for: Ease of use and mobile access
- Limitations: Not suitable for people with limited tech skills or poor-quality headphones
Mail-In Kits
There are some companies that mail out testing materials and headphones to you. After the test, you will need to return the results and equipment.
- Good for: More accurate results than online-only tests
- Limitations: May be more expensive; still not equal to a clinical exam
When Should You See a Professional?
It is important to see a hearing health professional when your home hearing test detects hearing loss. You should also see a professional when the following occurs:
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
- Trouble hearing in groups or noisy places
- You realize you have ringing or buzzing in your ears
- You find you’re turning up the TV volume higher than normal
- Feel like people are mumbling when talking to you
- You avoid conversations because of difficulty hearing
A hearing health professional will perform a full evaluation using state-of-the-art equipment in a soundproof environment. While checking your hearing, they can also check for blockages that might be causing your hearing problems.
Conclusion
Home hearing tests are convenient and provide a great way to check your hearing. However, it’s also important to realize they aren’t perfect or as accurate as a hearing health professional’s exam.
If you feel you are experiencing trouble hearing, and a home hearing test shows the potential for hearing loss, see a hearing health professional. They can offer guidance and recommend treatment. Your hearing is too important to take a chance.