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Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Amine Harichane (Pediatric ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon)
Do you want to know if your hearing is appropriate for your age or if you have a slight hearing loss? A 30-second test created by a hearing health app claims to give you a numerical answer. But what does our ENT, Doctor Amine Haricane, think?
Finding out your hearing age becomes as simple as starting a video. At least that’s what the Eargym hearing health application offers with a 30-second hearing test to run on your computer or smartphone.
An increasing frequency associated with age
The test plays an increasing frequency (measured in Hertz) that rises to check if you are losing your hearing. This is because as we age, it is difficult for our ears to hear higher frequencies. According to a 2021 study, Most humans start out being able to hear sounds up to 20,000 Hz. This drops almost in half to 11,500 Hz when you reach your 40s and drops even further (8,000 Hz ) for adults in their 60s.
To check your own hearing, simply start the frequency and pause the video when you can’t hear it. An age then appears.
Half of young people suffer from hearing loss
Beyond the fun side, Eargym tells us via a recent analysis of the results of this application that our hearing is not doing so well. Thus, almost half (47%) of 16-35 year olds have a hearing age greater than their biological age with a gap of 13 years on average (i.e. ears 13 years older than your age). Andy Shanks, hearing health expert and co-founder of Eargym, warns in the Daily Mail :
“The majority of us will experience some form of hearing loss during our lives. But if we can spot the signs early and make a few small changes, we can take steps to protect our hearing and prevent future avoidable hearing loss.”
He suggests using games like this 30-second test to regularly check your hearing for any abnormal changes. “Safe listening practices, such as using noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones, can also make a big difference when it comes to protecting our long-term hearing health.”added Mr. Shanks.
But the test is not enough to take stock
There are many possible causes of hearing loss, such as ear infections, earwax, or age. It can also be due to a perforated eardrum, which causes sudden hearing loss, or to Ménière’s disease which can affect your balance and hearing. If you notice signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing others clearly, or a need to turn up the volume on the television, it is important not only to self-diagnose but to see your GP for a hearing test more in-depth.
A much more reasonable attitude confirmed by the ENT consulted by Doctissimo, Dr Amine Harichane.
“This test is an approximation of overall hearing. But for it to be reliable it must be done with headphones in a soundproof booth with approved equipment, difficult to diagnose with a Youtube video on speakers. The “real” examination is done by an ENT who will already check that there is no blockage, which can bias the examination.”
In short, said yes to the fun aspect of the test put forward, which allows us to become aware of our hearing capital, while knowing that there is nothing medical about it. If you experience hearing loss or discomfort, consult a professional!
Slide: 8 ear noises and their meanings