Frequently asked questions -
Hearing Number App
Last updated: November 2024
Setup: Headphones & Phone
Are headphones required?
Yes, headphones are necessary for completing the hearing test. For the most accurate results, we recommend using the supported headphones. You may also use other Bluetooth or wired headphones (with certain exceptions, such as ones with non-compatible adapters), but please note that the accuracy of the results may be affected.
What are ‘supported headphones’?
Supported headphones are models that we have tested and accounted for their tuning differences to ensure consistent and accurate test results.
Which headphones are supported?
The Hearing Number App currently supports the following models:
- Apple: AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations), AirPods Max, AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generations), EarPods
- Beats: Fit Pro, Powerbeats Pro
- Bose: QuietComfort 45, QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- JBL: Vibe Buds, Vibe Beam
- Nothing: Ear, Ear 2
- Samsung: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Galaxy Buds FE
- Skullcandy: Grind Fuel, Sesh ANC Active
- Sony: WF-1000XM5, WH-1000XM4
Can I use headphones that aren’t supported?
Yes, but results may be less accurate. We’re continuously working to add more supported headphones to the list.
Should I turn off audio effects and accessibility settings during the test?
Common Audio Effects to turn off:
- EQ (Equalizer)
- Dolby Atmos
- Spatial Audio
- Noise Cancellation
- Transparency
- Adaptive Audio
- Bass Boost & Surround Sound
- LDAC
- Headphone Accommodations
- Mono Audio
- Balance (set to neutral)
- Volume Limiter / Limit
- Adapt Sound
- Sound Amplifier
Refer to your device’s manual for detailed instructions.
Test Process
I can’t find a quiet environment. Can I still perform the hearing test?
The test is designed to work best in a quiet setting. If conducted in a noisy environment, the results may be inaccurate. For reliable results, we recommend waiting until you’re in a quiet space before starting the test.
I’m testing one ear but hear a static sound in the other ear. Is this normal?
This is known as a contralateral masker and is a normal part of hearing tests. It is used when assessing hearing to prevent “cross talk,” where the non-test ear detects sound intended for the test ear. The contralateral masking noise is introduced in the opposite ear when the pure tone reaches a specific volume level to ensure accurate results.
I have tinnitus and can’t hear certain frequencies. Can I still complete the test?
Yes, you can complete the test. However, tinnitus may mask the test signal in specific frequency ranges, affecting results in those areas. The rest of the test should remain unaffected.
What should I do if I have concerns about my hearing?
If you’re concerned about your hearing, consult a hearing healthcare professional. The Hearing Number app is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or treatment and is not intended to monitor or alleviate any disease or disability. Hearing care professionals, such as audiologists, ENTs/otolaryngologists, and hearing aid specialists can provide full assessments of hearing. Talk to your doctor if your right and left ear Hearing Numbers are different by more than 10 or if you have persistent ear pain, dizziness, ear drainage, or sudden or fluctuating hearing loss.
Test Accuracy
Are my results still accurate if I don't press the button immediately after hearing the beep?
Yes, your results will still be accurate. Our system accounts for the slight delays in interacting with your mobile device.
Is the test reliable?
Under ideal conditions and when used as intended, our test is reliable and provides accurate results. The hearing test is modeled after the Békésy tracking method and has been validated in studies comparing it to recognized standards.
The Hearing Number app meets the Consumer Technology Association/American National Standards Institute standard “Frequency Pure Tone Average Testing Methodology and Reporting Metrics for Consumer Facing Hearing Solutions (ANSI/CTA-2118),” created to ensure a level of consistency when consumer technology companies in the Hearing Number to educate and inform consumers about their hearing.
What is the typical range of error?
The average error range is ±5 dB. However, factors like defective headphones, background noise, or user actions during the test can cause larger deviations.
What influences the accuracy of the test results?
Factors that can affect accuracy include:
- Background noise
- Type of headphones used
- Audio effects or accessibility settings
- Recent exposure to loud noises
- General well-being (for example, fatigue, cold, allergies, ear infection)
How can I ensure reliable test results?
For optimal results:
- Use supported headphones
- Take the test in a quiet environment
- Turn off any audio effects and accessibility settings on both your phone and headphones
- Avoid recent exposure to loud sounds
- Ensure your headphones are tightly and symmetrically fit
- Make sure your device has sufficient battery power and avoid interruptions
- Try to take the test under similar conditions each time for consistency
Test Results
What hearing test results will I receive after taking the test?
After completing the test, you’ll receive your Hearing Numbers. Your Hearing Numbers tell you the softest speech sound you can hear in each ear. It is known clinically as the 4-frequency pure tone average. Knowing your Hearing Numbers and tracking them over time lets you know when your hearing changes and what you can do to hear better.
Troubleshooting
I cannot complete the test due to inactivity interruptions. What should I do?
To improve your test experience:
- Ensure you’re interacting with the test by pressing and holding the button when you hear a sound and releasing it when the sound stops.
- Test in a quiet environment with supported headphones.
- Continue testing despite the interruption alerts in the app, though some data in the results might be missing.
- Skip the test for the ear where you cannot complete it, and focus on the other ear.
- Disable any audio effects and accessibility settings on both your phone and headphones, as these can interfere with sound quality and accuracy.
It’s possible that your hearing loss may have reached a point where the app cannot capture accurate data. In such cases, consult a hearing professional for more advanced diagnostic tools.
What do I do if the app doesn't recognize my Bluetooth headphones?
If your headphones aren’t being recognized, try these steps:
- Disconnect and reconnect your headphones.
- Test them with another app to ensure they’re working.
- Turn off Bluetooth on other devices they may be connected to.
- Restart the app and, if necessary, your device.
What do I do if I’m experiencing connectivity issues?
Try the following steps:
- Reset network settings.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Disable any VPN.
- Ensure the app has the necessary permissions for internet access.
- Check for OS or app updates.
- Test the app on another device, if possible.
Why can’t I download the Android Hearing Number app on my smartphone?
Currently, the Android Hearing Number app is only available for download on Google Play for Google and Samsung smartphones. We have limited the app’s availability to these manufacturers due to the tested accuracy and performance of the hearing test on their devices. Other manufacturers are not supported yet, but we are actively working on expanding compatibility to more devices in the future.
How do I identify the model of my headphones?
For Apple headphones, when using an iPhone or iPad, you can find your model number in the Settings app under Bluetooth or in the [your AirPods] section. Once you have the model number, you can use it to identify your AirPods generation on Apple’s website.
For other headphones, refer to the packaging and manual provided by the manufacturer to locate your model number and additional information.
Data Privacy
Is my data safe? Which data are collected?
Yes, your data is safe. We only collect anonymized data essential for improving functionality and performance. No personal data are collected. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.
App Language
What languages is the app available in? How do I change it?
Currently, the Hearing Number App is available in English and Spanish. The app automatically sets its language based on the phone’s language at the time of installation.
On iOS, you can manually change the app’s language by going to Settings > Hearing Number > Preferred Language and selecting your preferred language from the available options.
On Android, to change the app’s language, you’ll need to adjust the language settings for the entire device. Go to Settings > Language, and choose your desired language from the list of available options.
Couldn't find what you were looking for?
If your issue or question remains unresolved after reviewing the FAQ, please reach out to us at support@hearingnumber.org for further assistance.
