Is My Hearing OK?

Here are some ways you can self-test your hearing at home:

Test 1: Whisper Test:

1. Stand about 6 feet (2 meters) away from a friend or family member.

2. Have them whisper a two or three-syllable word or phrase.

3. Repeat what you think you heard.

4. Have your friend/family member repeat the same word or phrase with a gradually higher volume until you can clearly understand them.

5. Note the distance at which you can hear them whispering.

Test 2: Normal Conversation Test:

1. Sit in a quiet room with someone facing you.

2. Have them speak to you in a normal conversational tone from various distances (e.g., 3 feet, 6 feet, 12 feet).

3. Determine the distance at which you can clearly understand what is being said.

Test 3: Clock Tick Test:

1. Find a quiet room.

2. Hold a ticking analog watch near your ear.

3. Move the watch slowly away from your ear until you can no longer hear the ticking sound.

4. Note the distance at which the ticking becomes inaudible.

Test 4: Doorbell or Phone Ring Tone:

1. Stand near a doorbell or place a smartphone near you.

2. Play a ringtone or ring the doorbell at a low volume.

3. Walk away or move the phone farther away until you can no longer hear the sound.

4. Note the distance at which the sound becomes imperceptible.

Interpretation of Results:

- If you encounter difficulties hearing whispers at a distance of 6 feet or less, have trouble following conversations in normal settings, or require the TV volume to be significantly higher than others prefer, it's advisable to consult an audiologist for a professional hearing assessment.

- Remember, these self-tests are not replacements for a comprehensive hearing test conducted by a qualified hearing healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your hearing, it is always best to seek expert advice and get a proper diagnosis.