Simple test lets people find out what their ‘hearing age’ actually is

In an age of headphones, we’re all guilty of blasting our music a little too loud.

But now, thanks to a new video on TikTok, people are discovering how healthy their hearing is.

The video in question uses high-pitched frequency as part of a test to see how well you can actually hear.

The simple test can help people find out what their ‘hearing age’ actually is, and you can try it for yourself.

So how does it all work?

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Over time, roughly one-third of adults will experience some hearing loss – also known as presbycusis in medical terms.

The condition is related to the natural wear and tear of the inner ear and auditory nerve, which sends signals from the ear to the brain.

This often results in people being unable to hear in loud spaces, speech and you guessed it – higher frequencies.

Generally speaking, the older we are the less we’ll be able to hear high pitch sounds, which means using this can be a good indicator of your ‘hearing age’ and overall auditory health.

In fact, these changes can be so subtle that most people are unaware that they’ve actually had any loss of hearing, meaning that it’s important to have regular checks.

According to Specsavers, those under 40 should get tested every two years, with those over being recommended to have a test once a year and more regularly as they age.

Whilst we certainly wouldn’t recommend relying on a viral TikTok for a medical assessment, it does seem to have struck a chord with those on the social media platform.

And many were understandably a little concerned after getting less than impressive results during the simple test.

Science Photo Library / Alamy Stock Photo

“I couldn't hear anything during the whole video,” wrote one worried user in the comments, who we hope had the sound turned off instead.

While others were concerned about not being able to hear the higher frequencies towards the end of the short clip.

Another added: “I started hearing it at 300 and it went away at 10500.”

Meanwhile, some users seemed to be bragging about their impressive auditory range, with one person writing: “I’m about to turn 50 but hear like a 30-year-old so I guess that’s good.”

For those that are concerned after watching the video, we recommend having your ear tested by a professional audiologist or at your GPs.

This is completely painless and will often only take around five minutes as they examine your ears using a camera and headphones.

Sound like a good idea to us!

Topics: Health, TikTok

Katherine Sidnell

Katherine is an entertainment journalist with a love of all things nerdy. Starting out writing Doctor Who fan fiction as a kid, she has gone on to interview the likes of Matt Damon, James May and Dua Lipa to name a few. Published in The Sun, The Daily Mail and Evening Standard - she now joins Ladbible as resident nerd in chief.

@ksidnell