Skip to content
WaveNook

Hearing age test: how high can you hear?

Put on headphones, press Start, and click the button the moment the rising tone disappears. Our ability to hear high pitches falls with age, so your cut-off gives a rough "hearing age". It is a fun check, not a medical diagnosis.

8.0 kHz

Check single tones

Each button plays a 2-second tone, handy for double-checking where your hearing stops.

This is a fun check, not a medical test. Use headphones in a quiet room and keep the volume moderate. If you notice hearing changes, ringing or muffled sound, see a doctor or audiologist.

How to take the hearing age test

  1. Put on headphones and find a quiet room. Set the volume to a comfortable, moderate level.
  2. Press Start the test. A high tone starts at 8 kHz and slowly rises.
  3. The moment you can no longer hear it, press I can't hear it any more.
  4. See your highest audible frequency and the age group it usually matches. Use the single tones to double-check.

Typical highest frequency by age

These are rough guides. Hearing varies a lot between people of the same age.

  • 19–20 kHz: typically under 20
  • 17 kHz: typically under 25
  • 16 kHz: typically under 30
  • 15 kHz: typically under 40
  • 14 kHz: typically under 50
  • 12 kHz: typically under 60

Protect the hearing you have

  • Follow the 60/60 rule with headphones: no more than 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time.
  • Use earplugs at concerts, clubs and when using loud tools.
  • Ringing in your ears after loud noise is a warning sign. Give your ears a rest.

Want to play a specific frequency for longer? Use the tone generator.

Frequently asked questions

How does the hearing age test work?

Our ability to hear high pitches declines gradually with age, a normal process called presbycusis. Children can often hear up to 20 kHz; many adults over 50 stop hearing around 12–14 kHz. Your cut-off frequency is compared with typical values for each age group.

Is this a real hearing test?

No. It is a fun, rough check of high-frequency hearing only. A proper hearing test by an audiologist checks many frequencies in each ear at calibrated volumes. If you notice hearing changes, get a professional test.

Why is my result lower than expected?

Many laptop and phone speakers, and some headphones, can't play tones above 15–16 kHz. Low volume and background noise also lower the result. Try again with good headphones in a quiet room.

What is the "mosquito tone"?

A high tone around 17 kHz that most teenagers can hear but most adults over 25 can't. You can play 17 kHz with the single-tone buttons.

Can high tones damage my hearing?

Not at moderate volume for a short test. Keep the volume comfortable, and never turn it up a lot just to hear the highest tones.

More free tools