How the hearing frequency test works
The range of pitches people can hear is commonly given as 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This test checks the high end (8 kHz and up), which changes most with age, for each ear separately.
- Put on headphones, lower your device volume and press Play reference tone. Set the volume so it is clear and comfortable; test tones play at the same level.
- Press Start test. Starting at 8 kHz, each step plays three short beeps at a higher frequency. Answer I hear it or I don’t (Y/N on a keyboard).
- After “I don’t”, the same tone plays once more. If you miss it twice, that ear is done.
- Silent check trials are mixed in. The result tells you if you answered “I hear it” when nothing played, which flags guessing or tinnitus.
Age and high-frequency hearing: what research shows
High frequencies are usually the first to fade with age. In a study of 162 adults with normal hearing (Wang et al., Journal of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, 2021), the share of people who responded at each frequency was:
That study used calibrated audiometers that can play tones much louder, and it is a relatively small single-hospital sample. Because this page is not calibrated, we do not convert your result into a “hearing age”. The “if you can hear X kHz you are Y years old” charts online usually lack a clear source.
- 16 kHz: ages 21–30 100%, 31–40 64%, 41–50 38.6%, 51–60 30.8%, 61–70 16.1%
- 18 kHz: 78.3%, 20%, 2.3%, 2.6%, 0%
- 20 kHz: 52.2%, 8%, 2.3%, 0%, 0%
What is the mosquito tone?
The name comes from the “Mosquito”, a device developed in the UK in 2005 to discourage young people from congregating. According to the manufacturer’s specifications it emits about 17.4 kHz and can typically be heard by people under 25. Individual differences are large; tap the 17.4 kHz button to try it.
What affects your result
The same person can get noticeably different results depending on:
- Headphones: treble range varies by model, so the limit may be the earbud, not your ear.
- Bluetooth: compressed Bluetooth audio can cut the very highest frequencies depending on codec and quality settings. Try wired headphones too.
- Volume: louder settings reach higher frequencies. Compare only results taken with the same device and volume, and never crank the volume to chase a tone.
- Device output: most devices output at 44.1 or 48 kHz, so nothing above roughly 22–24 kHz can be played.
- Noise and tinnitus make high tones harder to pick out.
When to get a professional hearing test
Standard clinical pure-tone audiometry usually covers 250 Hz to 8 kHz; higher frequencies are tested separately with extended high-frequency audiometry when needed.
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear: the US NIDCD calls sudden deafness a medical emergency; treatment delayed beyond two to four weeks is less likely to help.
- Conversations or TV are harder to follow than before.
- Ringing, a blocked feeling or dizziness that does not go away.
- This test repeatedly shows no response at 8 kHz or a large left/right difference.
FAQ
Does it tell me my hearing age?
Not as a number. Without calibrated volume, results vary too much with headphones and settings. The research summary above gives context instead.
I cannot hear the mosquito tone. Do I have hearing loss?
Not necessarily. 17.4 kHz commonly fades with age, and your earbuds may not reproduce it well. If everyday conversation is fine there is little cause for concern, but see a professional if you notice problems.
Can I use Bluetooth earbuds?
Yes, but results may come out lower because Bluetooth compression can remove the highest frequencies. Compare with wired headphones if you can.
Why do my results change each time?
High-frequency limits easily shift by 1–2 kHz with volume, fit and background noise. Use the same headphones and volume in a quiet room.
Are high-pitched tones harmful?
Short tones at a comfortable volume are fine. Do not raise the volume to chase inaudible tones, and stop if your ears hurt or ring.