Reading an article about headphones (because I like quality sound and headphones), the article mentioned that Australian Hearing operates a free hearing test through the telephone (for Australia) that you can use. The number to dial is 1800 826 500 and you need to have a touchtone phone.
Once you call the number, it informs you that they will also be asking a few questions as they like to collect data for research. They ask your age, gender, how you rate your hearing and which ear you will be testing. They then ask if they can contact you for more questions and if you wish to participate. If you say no, your data is deleted straight away.
The test involves listening for three single digit numbers that are read out by the system over a pulsating "ripple" noise (they call it a rushing noise, but that isn't what I'd call it). After you hear the three digits, you type it into the phone pad and then it gives another number. What happens is that the volume of the numbers changes, with some louder and softer. I wasn't paying attention at how many sets they ask you to put in, but it is quite a few. Once the test is over, it informs you of the result.
For me, I ran it on both ears, and it told me that my hearing passed and was within normal hearing levels, so I guess that is great. I was actually initially thinking it was going to be a frequency test to test the hearing range, which is also another method of assessing hearing loss if any. Of course, this service gives the disclaimer that it is not to be used as a substitute for proper testing by a qualified technician/clinician, nor is it to be taken as medical advice as there are more ways to properly test your hearing. However, for a free call and a few minutes on the phone, it's not a bad way to roughly assess it.
Once you call the number, it informs you that they will also be asking a few questions as they like to collect data for research. They ask your age, gender, how you rate your hearing and which ear you will be testing. They then ask if they can contact you for more questions and if you wish to participate. If you say no, your data is deleted straight away.
The test involves listening for three single digit numbers that are read out by the system over a pulsating "ripple" noise (they call it a rushing noise, but that isn't what I'd call it). After you hear the three digits, you type it into the phone pad and then it gives another number. What happens is that the volume of the numbers changes, with some louder and softer. I wasn't paying attention at how many sets they ask you to put in, but it is quite a few. Once the test is over, it informs you of the result.
For me, I ran it on both ears, and it told me that my hearing passed and was within normal hearing levels, so I guess that is great. I was actually initially thinking it was going to be a frequency test to test the hearing range, which is also another method of assessing hearing loss if any. Of course, this service gives the disclaimer that it is not to be used as a substitute for proper testing by a qualified technician/clinician, nor is it to be taken as medical advice as there are more ways to properly test your hearing. However, for a free call and a few minutes on the phone, it's not a bad way to roughly assess it.
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