hearing test

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Please Note: The testing procedures available to you here are the most accurate we have found in a web application. However, this testing procedure, though accurate when instructions are followed properly, is not intended to replace a complete hearing evaluation that is provided by your local Ear/Nose/Throat Physician or Audiologist.

HEARING TEST GUIDE - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

PRIOR TO PROCEEDING WITH YOUR TEST

Computer

You require a PC running Win95 / 98 / Me / NT / 2000 / XP / Linux, SUN - Solaris, or a Macintosh running OS X.
Any of the popular browsers such as Firefox, Safari, etc.
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.
Since the hearing test results will appear in a separate browser window, you must allow pop-up windows in your browser and your firewall before starting the test.

Java Plug-in

When you click on the "Proceed" button located further down the page a simple application called "System Test" will be launched. The application will test your computer system for compatibility with our software. It will also determine whether you require a Java plug-in.
If you require a Java plug-in, download it from Sun's website. If no automatic install takes place make sure to double-click on the downloaded .exe file to install it.
Make sure that Java version 5.0 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.

Copyrights / License

All sounds produced by WWW Hearing Test modules are licensed by Digital Recordings for your personal, environmentally-responsible and non-commercial use only.
Reproduction, duplication or public use or broadcasting of WWW Hearing Test sounds is strictly prohibited.
Recording, editing, reuse, reformatting, resynthesizing, remixing, filtering or any other type of processing for use in another product or for resale is strictly prohibited without written license and permission from Digital Recordings.
Commercial use and resale of WWW Hearing Test products and sounds produced by WWW Hearing Test package is strictly prohibited without written license and permission from Digital Recordings.

Click here to be directed to Digital recordings Website for additional information on some of the points raised above.

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

To begin your hearing test click "PROCEED"

This page is a sample only of how your test results page will appear.

Use the browser's Print button to print your results.

Hearing Test Results 2 December 2008 at 4:30:02 PM MST
Left Ear				Right Ear
Frequency [Hz]	Your SPL [dB]	Ideal SPL [dB]	Loss [dB]	Frequency [Hz]	Your SPL [dB]	Ideal SPL [dB]	Loss [dB]
250	10	11.7	-1.7	250	10	11.7	18.3
500	20	3.5	6.5	500	20	3.5	36.5
1000	30		25	1000	30	0	25
2000	35	0	30	2000	35	0	30
4000	40	0	35	4000	40	0	35
8000	50	5	45	8000	50	5	45

How are test results interpreted?

It's easy! Sound intensity (measured as SPL [dB]) is referred to as the "hearing threshold" for the tone. The purpose of one's hearing test is to find hearing thresholds for all of the test tones and then compare the results against the "ideal" hearing thresholds. Your hearing thresholds are indicated in the table above as "Your SPL" and the ideal thresholds are indicated as "Ideal SPL"

An upward deviation, referred to as "threshold shift", of more than 10 dB from an "ideal" threshold indicates a hearing loss. The severity of a hearing loss can be determined based on the provided table. Any concerns with the hearing test results should be brought to the attention of an audiologist or acoustician. They will be able to do more in-depth interpretation of the results and help determine the probable cause of your hearing loss.

Threshold Shift	Hearing Loss Level
over 70 dB	Severe
55 - 69 dB	Moderately Severe
40 - 54 dB	Moderate
25 - 39 dB	Mild
10 - 24 dB	Slight

Copyright (C) 1990-2003 by Digital Recordings. All Rights Reserved.
No part of the information provided on this www page may be reproduced for any purpose, in any form, without prior written approval.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

A Medical Exam is NOT Required to Purchase Hearing Aids

While we encourage a proper relationship between you and a medical professional, you do not need a medical exam or an examination by an audiologist or hearing specialists to purchase a hearing aid online. The FDA grants individuals their right to waive a medical exam. The following paragraph is the official statement that the FDA has provided to hearing instrument providers which requires that you agree to before purchasing hearing aids whether online or otherwise.

Waiver to Medical Evaluation Requirements: "This is to inform you that the Food and Drug Administration has determined that it is in your best health interest to obtain a medical evaluation by a licensed physician, who specializes in diseases of the ear; then to be tested by an audiologist, or hearing aid dispenser utilizing established procedures and instrumentation in the fitting of hearing instruments." To complete a Medical Waiver Online CLICK HERE.

Note: Ordering a hearing instrument from this Website constitutes your acknowledgement and acceptance of this Waiver to the Medical Evaluation Requirements. However a Medical Waiver will be provided during a hearing instrument purchase process which will verify your acceptance of any hearing products purchased through DiY Hearing or any other represented products through this site.