An online test promises to reveal the age of your ears – by playing sounds through your headphones.
The minute-long test, popularized by British education organization eChalk, works by playing increasingly higher frequency sounds to listeners.
Participants are asked to press “stop” when they can no longer hear sound, which the test suggests indicates the age of their ears.
The test, developed by British educational organization eChalk, works by playing increasingly higher frequency sounds to listeners (screenshot of the test).
Hearing experts say the test is largely a “good party trick” but add that it can be a useful tool to alert people whose hearing is failing.
The test uses Hertz (Hz) to measure hearing, which means that all people can hear sounds up to 20,000 Hz from the start.
But by the age of 20 it seems to have decreased and we can only hear sounds below 18,000 Hz.
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And by the age of 50, this value should have decreased even further, so that people can only hear sounds below 12,000 Hz.
According to audiologists, the natural range of human hearing is approximately 2,000 to 20,000 Hz.
However, it gradually decreases over time; By the age of 30, most adults cannot hear sounds above 16,000 Hz.
People over 70 may not be able to hear sounds above 14,000 Hz.
Dr Amy Sarow, an audiologist at Norway-based hearing aid testing service Soundly, said: “While these tests are fun, they lack the sensitivity and specificity to provide meaningful diagnostic insights into the severity and type of hearing loss a person may have ” suffer. .” person can have.
“At best, these tests can detect high-frequency hearing loss.”
“For example, it could be an indication of high-frequency hearing loss if you have difficulty hearing sounds above 2,000 Hz.”
Blake Cadwell, co-founder of Soundly, described the test as a “fun party trick”.
Survey data shows that about 15.5 percent of American adults, or 40 million people, have hearing problems.
One third of older adults suffer from hearing loss.
As we age, hearing gradually declines – a condition called presbyacusis.
This can be caused by changes in blood flow to parts of the ear, changes in the nerves in the ear, or changes in the way the brain interprets sounds.
It usually only affects high-pitched sounds and is detected when people begin to notice subtle changes in their hearing over time.
Common symptoms include difficulty hearing quieter voices, difficulty interacting with children, and difficulty speaking in background noise.
People with diabetes, poor circulation or frequent exposure to noise may be more likely to experience hearing loss.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
