Use headphones in a quiet room. Set your device volume to a comfortable level using the 1 kHz reference below first.
Start with your device volume low. Very low tones may be inaudible on phone or laptop speakers; very high tones can be uncomfortable on headphones.
How the test works
The test plays tones from 8 kHz upwards. Press “I can hear it” for each tone you hear and “I can't” when it disappears. The last tone you heard is your approximate upper limit.
Your result depends heavily on your headphones and device: many earbuds and laptop sound chips roll off above 16–18 kHz.
Hearing and age
High-frequency hearing declines naturally from the late teens onwards (presbycusis). Typical upper limits are around 17 kHz in your twenties, 15–16 kHz in your forties and 12 kHz or lower after sixty – with large individual differences.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a medical hearing test?
No. It is a fun, rough check. If you notice hearing loss, ringing or muffled hearing, see an audiologist for a proper audiogram.
Why can young people hear high-pitched sounds adults can't?
The hair cells that detect high frequencies sit at the base of the cochlea and wear out first with age and noise exposure.