Researchers at Eargym, a company focused on creating apps for hearing health, developed a 30 second online self-check to help individuals gauge potential hearing loss. The test relies on listening to sounds across different frequencies and observing the user’s responses within the app. A report in a major daily outlet highlighted this approach.
The self-check guides users to listen to an audio signal within the Eargym application at varying frequencies for half a minute. If a user stops perceiving sound, they are advised to press the pause control. The frequency of the sound that is heard, measured in Hertz, is used to estimate the user’s hearing age. A discrepancy between the estimated hearing age and the person’s actual age can indicate a possible hearing concern.
It is normal for hearing ability to decline with age. A person might hear tones up to about 11,500 Hz around age 40, while around age 60 the upper limit might drop to approximately 8,000 Hz. Difficulty detecting high frequency sounds at a younger age can signal permanent hearing loss triggered by prolonged exposure to loud environments, recurring ear infections, or damage to the eardrum.
Developers of the test emphasize that hearing loss is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and certain mental health conditions. As a result, reducing the risk of hearing loss can contribute to protecting overall mental well being.
Previous discussions have explored multiple factors linked to tinnitus, including potential medical considerations and lifestyle influences. This context underscores the interconnected nature of auditory health and broader neurological well being.