Signal Atlas / Local listening check

Online Hearing Test

Use headphones in a quiet room to compare how softly each ear detects a set of tones. This browser-only screen is not a medical diagnosis.

Stop immediately if a sound feels loud or uncomfortable.

Begin with a comfortable system volume.

01 / Volume check

Set a comfortable reference

Start with low device volume. Play the reference, then adjust your system volume only until it is clearly audible and comfortable.

No microphone, sign-up, cookie storage, or result upload is used.

Listening screen / informational only

About this Online Hearing Test

This tool is designed for repeatable self-checks: it shows how softly you marked each tone under one setup, not a clinical hearing score.

How the hearing test works

Six pure tones run from 250 Hz to 8 kHz, one ear at a time.
You raise the browser-level signal only until it becomes barely audible.
Each saved value is a 0 to 100 relative threshold for this device and session.
Use the map to compare left and right, or repeat later with the same setup.

Important limits

These readings are not calibrated dB HL values.
Headphones, EQ, system volume, fit, and room noise all affect them.
The result cannot diagnose hearing loss or another medical condition.
For a useful comparison, keep the device, headphones, and room consistent.

Before you start

Prepare your setup

Quiet surroundings and the same listening gear make the next comparison more meaningful.

Environment and equipment

Use headphones; over-ear models usually isolate background sound best.
Choose a quiet room, because soft tones are easy for ambient sound to mask.
Set the system volume low before the reference step, then leave it unchanged.
Test one ear channel at a time and retake the full check after a distraction.

Not sure whether the room is quiet enough? Check it first with the Online Decibel Meter.

Safety and when to get help

Stop immediately if a tone feels sharp, loud, or uncomfortable.
Seek prompt clinical advice for sudden changes, ear pain, or one-sided symptoms.
Consider a professional evaluation if a large left/right difference keeps returning.
This screen supports observation only; it does not replace medical care.

Repeatable method

How to Use Online Hearing Test

Everything happens in the browser after you choose to play a tone.

Calibrate

Use the 1 kHz reference to find a comfortable device volume, then do not change it.

Find thresholds

For each ear, save the first relative level where the current tone is just audible.

Compare trends

Review the two ears together and retest later under the same quiet conditions.

Looking for a short high-frequency activity? Try the Hearing Age Test.

Practical answers

Frequently asked questions

How often should I repeat this hearing check?

Repeat it whenever you want a consistent personal reference. For trends, use the same headphones, device volume, and quiet room; a few months or a meaningful noise exposure change are common reasons to retest.

Is this as accurate as a clinical hearing appointment?

No. Clinical tests use calibrated equipment and controlled conditions. This is an informational, device-dependent screen; speak with a licensed clinician if you have symptoms or concerns.

How should I read the result map?

Each bar is the lowest relative level you saved for that frequency. Lower values generally mean less browser-level signal was needed in this setup. Look for repeatable patterns rather than a diagnosis.

Why does the order begin at 1 kHz?

One kilohertz is an easy reference for many listeners. The sequence then moves upward before finishing with low tones, which keeps the routine predictable and brief.

Why can't I return to a previous tone?

The fixed order keeps each run simple to compare. If a distraction or noise affected a response, restart the full check in the same quiet setup.

Are my results collected or stored?

No. The check runs locally in your browser. It does not ask for an account or email, and the optional report download stays on your device.

Which headphones and settings are best?

Use headphones, preferably over-ear, and disable EQ or audio enhancements when practical. Keep the same device volume and headphones for the complete run.

What if the sound is uncomfortable?

Stop immediately and lower the system volume before trying again. Do not continue with painful sound; for ear pain, sudden symptoms, or ongoing concern, contact a qualified clinician.