PLEASE NOTE:  This testing procedure is not intended to replace regular audiometric testing by a certified medical or audiological professional, the test provided here is accurate provided you follow the guide correctly, and may generally equal the basic results of a hearing professional when the results are used for the programming of a hearing instrument.

Computer

• You require a PC running Win95 / 98 / Me / NT / 2000 / XP / Linux, SUN - Solaris, or a Macintosh running OS 8, 9 or X.
• Microsoft Explorer 4x (or higher) or Netscape 4x (or higher).
• The latest version of the Java plug-in from SUN (most newer PC's come with this version of Java plug-in already installed).
• A good-quality sound card.
• All applications on your computer, except your web browser, must be closed.
• All sound-processing features on your sound card such as "Bass Boost", tone control, reverbaration, DSP, etc. must be disabled.
• Any audio equipment connected to your computer must be disabled. Speakers must be turned OFF.
• The volume on your computer must be at the level you usually use or lower. You can lower volume by going to volume adjustment in the Mixer software. In Windows this is done by selecting Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Volume Control. Check your computer manual for other platforms.

  Java Plug-in

• When you click on the "Proceed" button located further down the page the Hearing Test will be launched.
• If you require a Java plug-in, follow the instructions to download it. If no automatic install takes place make sure to double-click on the downloaded .exe file to install it. You can manually download Java plugin, JRE 1.4.1_03 for a particular computer platform from SUN's website (this will take about 3-10 min).
• Make sure that Java version 1.4.2_10 or higher is used during testing.

Headphones

• Should be of good quality (for example AKG K-270 or KOSS R/80).
• Closed-type headphones are the best choice as they reduce outside noise.
• Headphones must be plugged into the headphones output on your computer. The headphones output is usually marked as such and it is most often located on the back pannel of the computer. In most cases, it is a miniature stereo output, similar to the output socket on a portable CD player. If necessary, refer to your computer manual for more details.

  Earphones

• Should be of good quality (for example some models of SONY,Panasonic,JVC,AKG,KOSS).
• Miniature earphones (or earbuds) can be turned into good-quality "closed-type headphones" by wearing earmuffs over them. Good earmuffs (for example Thunder 29 from Howard Leight) offer about 29-31 dB noise reduction (better than most headphones). You can buy them in many hardware stores for about $20 US. Earmuffs can also be used to protect your hearing in noisy situations.
• Earphones must be plugged into the headphones output on your computer (as described above).

  Noise

• All noisy equipment (such as fans, radios, etc.) must be switched OFF to minimize background noise that can interfere with the test.
• You should perform the test when the noise level in the room and outside is at its lowest.

  Safety

• Volume calibration is the first step in the hearing test. You must follow the provided instructions to protect your hearing and your computer/audio equipment.
• if at any time during the calibration or hearing test you feel any discomfort or you find volume levels too high remove the headphones / earphones and stop the test immediately.
• AURAL Volume Calibration should be performed by somebody with good hearing.
• SLM-based Volume Calibration is provided for more advanced users. It requires SLM (Sound Level Meter) and a proper Acoustical Coupler (please see our website for more information about couplers). SLM-based Calibration allows for more objective and more precise volume calibration.

The Hearing Test screen will be launched in a separate browser window.

To begin your hearing test click "PROCEED"