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How does the hearing test work?
Our hearing test is a validated, audiological screening test that uses numbers presented with background noise (commonly referred to as a speech-in-noise (SIN) screening).
The test determines your speech recognition threshold (in a dB signal-to-noise ratio). This reflects your ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise, something individuals with hearing difficulty typically struggle with. If your results are reduced, you are likely to benefit from an OTC hearing aid.
How accurate is an online hearing test?
With so many online hearing tests out there, it’s hard to know which is the best or most accurate. This is because online hearing ‘tests’ are generally not clinically validated. However, the Lexie online test technology has been widely validated, with results published in multiple scientific peer-reviewed journals. The accuracy of our hearing test exceeds 90% and the test can reliably be taken on your PC, tablet, or smartphone with any set of head/earphones.
Compared with traditional pure-tone audiometry, speech-in-noise tests do not require calibrated equipment and are less sensitive to environmental noise. Another advantage of SIN tests is that they measure functional real-life difficulties with speech comprehension in background noise. The screening test picks up all kinds of hearing losses and can be completed within 2 minutes. The results are highly correlated with pure-tone audiometry thresholds. (Potgieter et al., 2016; Potgieter et al., 2017).
Why should I test my hearing?
There are different types of hearing loss, each with their own causes and treatment options. But the first step is always the same: identification. If you suspect your ability to hear is not what it used to be, testing your hearing is the first step in understanding if hearing loss is present and—if so—how you can manage it. With results available in minutes, you’ll quickly have a better picture of your hearing health and whether wearing hearing aids can help you.
I have hearing loss, what now?
If your results indicate possible hearing loss, there are steps you can take to find out what sort of treatment is right for you. First, contacting a doctor, preferably an ear-nose-throat doctor (an ENT), because your condition may require specialized care. Over-the-counter hearing aids are only suitable for persons with mild to moderate hearing loss, who are 18 years or older.
Once you’ve consulted/spoken with your doctor or ENT to best understand your options, you may find that an OTC hearing aid is right for you. Getting an OTC hearing aid is easy and affordable. Our Lexie OTC hearing aids are available for purchase directly online and come with a risk-free trial to ensure you are completely satisfied.
Technology driven by science
Trusted by over 2.0 million people worldwide.
hearX Group is an award-winning, innovative company with clinically validated software solutions, patents and research.
Organizations that use the hearX tech:
Published research
Validating our hearing test.
De Sousa KC, Swanepoel D, Moore D, Myburgh HC, Smits C (2020). Improving Sensitivity of the Digits-in-Noise Test Using Antiphasic Stimuli. Ear and Hearing, 41:442-450.
Swanepoel D, Smits C, De Sousa KC, Moore D (2019). Mobile apps to screen for hearing loss: Opportunities and challenges. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 97(10):717-718.
Ratanjee-Vanmali H, Swanepoel D, Laplante-Lévesque A (2019). Characteristics, behaviours and readiness of persons seeking hearing healthcare online. International Journal of Audiology, 58:107-115.
De Sousa KC, Swanepoel D, Moore D, Smits C (2018). A Smartphone National Hearing Test - Performance and Characteristics of Users. American Journal of Audiology, 27, 448-454.
Potgieter, JM, Swanepoel D, Myburgh, HC, & Smits, C (2018). The South African English Smartphone Digits-in-Noise Hearing Test: Effect of Age, Hearing Loss, and Speaking Competence. Ear and Hearing, 39(4), 656-663.
Potgieter JM, Swanepoel D, Myburgh HC, Hopper TC, Smits C (2016). Development and validation of a smartphone-based digits-in-noise hearing test in South African English. International Journal of Audiology, 55(7):405-411.
White paper: Swanepoel, D & Pike, M. 2020. Validation of the Lexie Lumen In-situ Audiometry.
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