Hearing Age Test
How high can you hear? Put on headphones, start quietly, and press “I hear it” for every tone you can hear. Takes about a minute.
⚠ Start with a LOW volumePut on headphones and set your device volume to about 30% before you begin.
How high can humans hear?
Young people can usually hear up to about 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). With age, the upper limit drops — a process called presbycusis. By 30 many people stop hearing around 16–17 kHz, and by 50 around 12 kHz. Noise exposure (concerts, headphones at high volume) speeds this up.
Approximate hearing age by frequency
- 8,000 Hz — most people of any age
- 12,000 Hz — typically under 50
- 14,000 Hz — typically under 40
- 16,000 Hz — typically under 30
- 17,000 Hz — typically under 25
- 19,000 Hz+ — typically under 20
These are rough averages, not a diagnosis. Your equipment matters: cheap speakers may not play the highest tones at all.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hearing age test?
Our ability to hear high-pitched sounds declines with age. This test plays higher and higher tones and records the highest one you can hear, then shows the age range at which most people can still hear it.
Is this a medical hearing test?
No. It is a fun, rough check of high-frequency hearing only. Results depend on your headphones or speakers, the volume and background noise. If you notice hearing loss, see a doctor or audiologist.
Why can't I hear the highest tones?
Many laptop and phone speakers can't reproduce tones above 15–17 kHz, and many adults can't hear them either. Use good headphones for the most accurate result.
Can loud tones damage my hearing?
Start with a low volume and raise it slowly. Never play test tones at maximum volume, especially with headphones.