Ever wondered how old your hearing actually is?
Thanks to the science-minded folks over at AsapSCIENCE, there’s a simple and fun test that can give you a glimpse into your auditory age.
But before you dive into the test, here’s something you might not know: as we get older, our ability to hear higher frequencies gradually fades away.
This natural process happens to all of us—some sooner than others—and can reveal a lot about how much wear and tear our ears have experienced over the years.
So, how can you find out how young or old your ears are?
It’s all about testing your ability to hear different sound frequencies.
And in just a few minutes, you can get a sense of whether you’re hearing at peak capacity, or if your ears are already showing signs of aging.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Basics of Hearing Age
Before you start the test, make sure you’re watching in 1080p resolution and using high-quality headphones (if you can).
These steps are crucial for getting accurate results, since poor audio quality or compression can affect the test.
The Science Behind It:
As we age, our hearing abilities naturally decline, especially at the high-frequency end of the spectrum.
This decline is primarily due to the death of hair cells in the inner ear.
These tiny cells are responsible for detecting sound waves and sending the signals to the brain.
Unfortunately, once they die off, they don’t regenerate.
And the first ones to go are the ones responsible for picking up high-pitched sounds.
A key point to understand is that the higher the frequency, the earlier the cells begin to degrade.
For example, the ability to hear sounds at around 8,000 Hz is common among most people.
But as we get older—especially after 40—hearing at 15,000 Hz becomes increasingly difficult.
In other words, your “hearing age” is influenced by how well your ears can detect those high-pitched sounds.
So, if you think you’re still in your auditory prime, this test will help you figure out if that’s actually true. Let’s dive into how this all works.
The Test Itself
To get started, head over to the AsapSCIENCE video.
You’ll find a series of high-pitched tones that gradually increase in frequency.
The idea is simple: you’ll listen to each tone and see up to what frequency you can hear.
Most younger individuals can pick up frequencies as high as 16,000 Hz to 18,000 Hz or even higher, but for older individuals, the ability to hear these tones diminishes.
Tip: Pay close attention to the sounds that fade out for you. Your results will tell you where you might be on the auditory aging scale.
Why It Matters
You might be asking yourself, “Why should I care about hearing high-pitched frequencies?”
The answer goes beyond just vanity—it’s actually a reflection of how well your ear cells are doing.
As the hair cells responsible for high frequencies die off, the broader impact is a decrease in the overall sensitivity of your hearing.
And in some cases, this decline could eventually affect your ability to hear lower, more common sounds, like conversation.
However, the early signs of high-frequency loss are the first indicator that things are starting to change.
The Truth About Hearing Loss: It’s Not Just About Age
At this point, you might be thinking that hearing loss is simply an inevitable part of getting older.
But here’s a surprise: hearing loss isn’t just about age—it’s also about lifestyle.
Challenge the Norm: Loud Music Doesn’t Just Harm Teens
You may have heard about the dangers of loud concerts or blasting music through headphones.
But here’s the thing: hearing loss doesn’t only affect people in their senior years.
In fact, if you’ve spent a lot of time exposed to loud noises—especially in your younger years—you could be accelerating your hearing decline.
Many assume that only older individuals are at risk of permanent hearing damage.
However, studies have shown that hearing loss in younger generations is becoming more common due to consistent exposure to loud sounds.
Whether it’s through attending concerts, working in noisy environments, or listening to music on high volumes, the consequences can be more severe than we might think.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, nearly 20% of teenagers show early signs of hearing loss, and this percentage has been steadily increasing over the past few decades.
The damage to the hair cells from loud noise exposure can be permanent, leading to a more rapid decline in hearing abilities as we get older.
This pattern interrupt challenges the widely held belief that hearing loss only becomes an issue in old age.
In reality, hearing damage can accumulate throughout your life, and the earlier you start taking care of your ears, the better your chances of preserving your hearing.
How to Protect Your Hearing Going Forward
Now that you’ve tested your hearing, it’s time to think about how to protect it going forward. Here are a few tips to keep your ears in good shape as you age:
- Lower the Volume
This might seem like a no-brainer, but many of us still listen to music too loud, especially through headphones. If you’re listening to music or podcasts on your phone, make sure the volume isn’t cranked all the way up. As a general rule, if you can’t hear someone talking to you while you’re wearing headphones, it’s too loud. - Wear Ear Protection in Noisy Environments
If you attend concerts or work in loud environments, always wear ear protection. Earplugs can significantly reduce the intensity of damaging sound waves and protect your hearing. - Take Listening Breaks
Give your ears some rest from time to time. After being exposed to loud sounds for a while, take a break. This allows the hair cells in your inner ear to recover (at least temporarily). - Get Regular Hearing Checkups
As you age, regular checkups with an audiologist can help detect early signs of hearing loss. The sooner you catch it, the better you can manage the impact. - Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
If you’re often exposed to environmental noise, consider investing in noise-canceling headphones. These can help you lower the volume and still enjoy clear audio, without putting your hearing at risk.
Your Ears Are Your Most Valuable Asset
Your hearing is one of your most valuable senses, yet it’s also one that we often take for granted.
The AsapSCIENCE test is a fun and informative way to gauge how well your ears are holding up as you age.
While it may be discouraging to discover that some high frequencies are no longer within your grasp, it’s important to remember that you have the power to take control of your hearing health moving forward.
Taking simple steps like lowering the volume, wearing ear protection, and regularly monitoring your hearing will go a long way toward ensuring that you can continue to enjoy the world of sound for years to come.
So, how did you score on the test? Are your ears still as youthful as you thought?
