Hearing loss affects millions of adults in the U.S., often developing so gradually that many people don’t realize the extent of the issue until it starts interfering with daily life.
Whether you're having trouble hearing conversations, turning up the volume on the TV, or experiencing ringing in your ears, a hearing test is the first step toward understanding your hearing health.
This guide explains what to expect from a hearing test, how to schedule one, what it may cost, and how results relate to hearing aid options.
What Is a Hearing Test?
A hearing test evaluates how well you can detect sounds across various pitches and volumes. It's usually performed by an audiologist or licensed hearing specialist and may include:
Pure-tone audiometry: Identifies the quietest tones you can hear
Speech recognition: Tests how clearly you hear spoken words
Tympanometry: Assesses how your eardrum responds to sound and pressure
Otoscopy: A visual exam of your ear canal and eardrum
The test is painless, typically lasts 30–60 minutes, and results are usually available immediately.
Signs You Might Need a Hearing Test
You don’t have to wait for a major issue to schedule a screening. Common signs of hearing changes include:
Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
Difficulty hearing in noisy settings
Turning the TV or phone volume up too high
Feeling like others are mumbling
Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
Trouble understanding speech in group conversations
Even if symptoms are mild, early detection can make future treatment more effective.
Where to Get a Hearing Test
Hearing tests are available through several types of providers:
ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) specialists
Audiologists in private clinics or hospitals
Retail hearingcenters (such as Costco, HearingLife, Beltone, Miracle-Ear)
Online hearing test tools (for basic screening, not diagnostic)
Some locations offer free hearing tests or hearing aid consultations as part of a promotional service. Be sure to ask what’s included in the exam and whether it’s performed by a certified audiologist.
How Much Does a Hearing Test Cost?
Costs vary depending on location, provider type, and whether insurance covers the service:
Out-of-pocket hearing test: $60–$150 for a standard evaluation
With insurance: Some plans cover the test, but not hearing aids
Free tests: Available at select hearing aid retailers or during awareness campaigns
Medicare generally does not cover routine hearing tests or hearing aids, though some Medicare Advantage plans do.
What Happens After the Test?
If your hearing test indicates hearing loss, your provider will discuss next steps, which may include:
Hearing aid options: In-the-ear, behind-the-ear, or nearly invisible styles
Further medical testing: For sudden or severe loss
Assistive devices: For phone calls, TVs, or noisy environments
Follow-up appointments: To adjust treatment or reassess hearing over time
Some providers offer risk-free trials or comparisons of the top 5 hearing aid brands based on your test results.
Final Thoughts
A hearing test is an easy, informative first step for anyone experiencing signs of hearing loss or simply wanting a baseline check. Whether you're exploring treatment options or comparing hearing aid prices, early testing helps you make better decisions about your hearing health.
Search for certified providers in your area or request a free hearing screening from a reputable hearing center. The sooner you test, the sooner you can find solutions that improve how you engage with the world around you.