Start The Test By Answering A Few Questions.
If you’re ready to take the National Hearing Test by telephone today, click the red button to answer the questionnaire and receive your test for free as an AARP member.
If you still have questions, please read the instructions and questions below.
What is the process for taking the National Hearing Test?
It’s simple, convenient, and your results are confidential.
Once you complete and submit a short questionnaire, you will receive an access code or token on your computer screen. If you gave your email address on the questionnaire, you’ll also get an email with the access code or token.
Telephone-based testing
If you chose the telephone-based test, a landline that plugs into a wall is preferred but not required. If you only have access to a mobile phone, you can still take the test. It helps to use ear buds for a clearer connection. Remember to remove the ear bud from the ear that is not being tested.
Find a quiet place and dial the toll-free National Hearing Test number 1-866-217-0857, and enter your access code, when prompted.
Take the 10-minute test, following the instructions provided over the phone.
At the end of the test, there will be an automated message giving you the results for each ear. Write down your results.
After taking the telephone test, go to our web page After the Test for more information. There are links to professional organizations that list qualified hearing professionals in your area. There are also links to information about hearing loss and treatments.
Online testing with a computer or mobile device
If you chose the online version of the test, you can use a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) or a computer. You will need to have headphones or earbuds connected to your computer or mobile device.
Find a quiet place, and when you are comfortably seated with your computer or mobile device, click on the token to start the test. The online application will start and you will be provided with instructions for checking you headphones/earbuds and for taking the test.
At the end of testing, you can see the results for both ears on the Results page on your screen. The online version has more information than is provided over the phone with the telephone version of the test. You can also go to the After the Test page on the NHT website for more information.
Additional Questions
The National Hearing Test was standardized for use with wired landline telephones. The sound quality of other types of phones may adversely affect test scores.
Why is there a questionnaire?−
We ask about your age, sex, and degree of exposure to loud noise for research purposes. We request your email address for sending a very brief follow-up survey. The survey and research associated with this test are required by the National Institutes of Health, whose funding supported the development of this test. All information is kept confidential and will not be shared.
Why should I take the test in a quiet location?+
Background noises can interfere with your ability to hear the sounds and concentrate on the test. Even an occasional noise can affect the results. That’s why it’s best to find a very quiet room where noise and other distractions are minimized. This will help reduce the chances of getting invalid test results.
Can I use a cell phone?+
Cell phones often have poor or unreliable connections that introduce unpredictable amounts of distortion. The ideal setup is a telephone that plugs into a wall-mounted jack. This generally offers a better and more consistent sound quality than cell phones.
Yes, you can use a cell phone, even though a landline is preferred. It helps to use ear buds with your mobile phone so you can keep the keypad display in front of you during testing. Remember to remove the ear bud from the ear that is not being tested so that only one ear is tested at a time.
More questions? Go to our Frequently Asked Questions page.