Hearing Test Apps
Free 5-minute test at home.
Free apps that work
- Mimi Hearing Test — free, iPhone & Android. 6-minute test. Saves results over time.
- SonicCloud — free hearing profile test. Used by some hearing aids.
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 (iPhone) — built-in hearing test in iOS 18+. FDA-cleared.
- HearingHealthFoundation.org — free quick online check. No app needed.
- EarMachine — free. Was used in clinical research.
How to take the test
- Use real headphones (not phone speakers). Wired or AirPods/AirPods Pro best.
- Quiet room. No TV, fan, or AC running.
- Turn phone volume to 50%.
- Listen for tones. Tap when you hear them.
- Test takes 5-7 minutes per ear.
- App shows hearing curve — same chart audiologists use.
When to see a real audiologist
- App shows moderate or severe hearing loss.
- One ear is much worse than the other.
- You hear ringing (tinnitus).
- Sudden hearing loss — go to urgent care SAME DAY (treatable if caught fast).
- You're considering hearing aids.
Free in-person tests
- Costco Hearing Center — free for members. Best deal in the country.
- Sam's Club Hearing Center — free for members.
- Miracle-Ear, Beltone — free tests (sales-driven, but tests are real).
- VA — free for veterans.
- Local audiology schools — free or low-cost. Search "[city] AuD program".
Hearing aids over the counter
Since 2022, you can buy hearing aids without a prescription. Jabra Enhance, Lexie, Eargo, Sony — $700-2,000/pair. AirPods Pro 2 ($249) also work as basic hearing aids on iPhone. Big change from $4,000 prescription pairs.