Auditory range · Pure tones
Online Hearing Test
Check which sound frequencies you can hear from 250 Hz to 18,000 Hz. This free hearing test uses quiet browser-generated tones and takes about two minutes. Headphones are recommended.
Listen safely: Set your device to a comfortable, low level—WHO guidance recommends no more than 60% of maximum for personal listening devices. Never turn the volume up to chase a high-frequency tone. Stop if anything feels uncomfortable. WHO safe-listening guidance.
Use headphones in a quiet room
Each tone lasts about one second. Mark whether you heard it. Speaker and headphone limits affect the result, especially above 10 kHz.
Frequency 1 of 12
Listen for the tone…
Frequency check complete
What This Online Hearing Test Checks
The test presents pure tones at increasing frequencies and records the highest one you report hearing. Frequency, measured in hertz (Hz), describes pitch: lower values sound deeper and higher values sound sharper.
This is a hearing-range check, not a hearing-threshold test. It does not calibrate sound pressure level, test each ear independently, or determine the quietest sound you can detect at clinical audiology frequencies.
Hearing Test vs Audio Reaction Time
The tests answer different questions. This page checks whether you detect tones at different pitches. The Audio Reaction Time Test uses one clearly audible tone and measures how quickly you respond. A fast response does not establish a wide hearing range, and a wide range does not guarantee a fast response.
Why Browser Hearing Results Vary
Headphones and speakers
Some devices cannot reproduce very low or very high tones accurately.
Volume and environment
Background noise can mask tones; volume changes make attempts difficult to compare.
Audio processing
Bluetooth codecs, equalizers, and operating-system effects may alter playback.
Individual hearing
Age, noise exposure, congestion, and temporary conditions can affect detection.
Not a medical diagnosis
Online results require caution because the device, calibration, environment, and test method affect accuracy. If you notice sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, seek urgent medical advice. For persistent ringing, pain, dizziness, one-sided changes, or difficulty understanding speech, consult a qualified healthcare or hearing professional. Read ASHA's screening guidance and NHS hearing-test guidance.