Start your hearing journey with confidence

Few people want to admit they're having trouble hearing—but hearing loss is incredibly common, affecting millions of Americans across all age groups. The good news? Advancements in hearing technology have made it easier than ever to access effective and affordable hearing aids. If you're not sure where to start, an at-home hearing test can be a convenient first step—but it's just that: a starting point.

WHAT IS AN AT-HOME HEARING TEST?

When you search online for a hearing test, you’ll likely find a range of free, do-it-yourself hearing screenings. These typically include:

• A questionnaire about your hearing habits and challenges in everyday situations

• A listening test using headphones to assess your ability to detect various tones or speech in quiet and noise

While these tests can give you a general sense of how you're hearing, it’s important to understand that they are not a substitute for a professional diagnostic evaluation. They cannot measure the exact degree of hearing loss or determine whether a medical issue—such as earwax buildup, infection, or inner ear damage—is contributing to your symptoms.

COMMON SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS

If you’re unsure whether you need to test your hearing, here are some signs that it may be time:

• You frequently turn up the volume on the TV or music to a level others find too loud

• Conversations sound muffled or unclear, especially in noisy environments

• You find yourself asking people to repeat themselves often

• Social interactions leave you feeling tired, frustrated, or embarrassed

• You struggle to follow dialogue on phone calls or during meetings

Hearing loss can affect more than just your ability to hear—it can impact mental well-being, confidence, and social connection, especially if left unaddressed.

WHY SEEING A PROFESSIONAL STILL MATTERS

While online screenings are helpful for raising awareness, only a licensed hearing care provider can give you a full picture of your hearing health. A professional hearing evaluation includes:

• Otoscopic exam (checking for ear canal blockage or damage)

• Pure tone audiometry to determine exact hearing thresholds

• Speech testing to evaluate how well you understand spoken words

• Medical referral if hearing loss appears sudden, asymmetrical, or linked to other symptoms like dizziness or tinnitus

A thorough exam ensures you get the right care—whether that’s hearing aids, medical treatment, or simply reassurance and monitoring.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU TEST YOUR HEARING

If an at-home screening or your day-to-day experience suggests hearing changes, the next step is to follow up with a professional—especially if the loss has come on suddenly, is affecting only one ear, or is accompanied by ringing or vertigo.

That said, not everyone with hearing loss requires complex or costly technology. For adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids—like the Audien Atom Pro—can be an excellent option. These devices are affordable, rechargeable, and designed for everyday use, without the need for a prescription or in-person fitting.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY

Hearing loss is a health issue, but it’s also one of the most treatable. Starting with an at-home hearing test can help you become more aware of your hearing and encourage you to take action.

At Audien Hearing, we’re committed to making quality hearing more accessible. Our OTC hearing aids are designed to help you stay connected, confident, and in control of your hearing health—at a price that fits your life.

Explore the Atom Pro hearing aid today and rediscover the sounds you’ve been missing.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-online-hearing-test#how-do-they-work

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/do-you-need-hearing-test

https://www.consumerreports.org/hearing-ear-care/do-you-need-a-hearing-test/

https://www.audiologyandhearing.com/blog/online-hearing-tests/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072