Okay before we even get into this, we need to establish a few facts.
1. This hearing test is not rigged. (Sorry mom, you're just going to have to deal with that fact) The sound does not suddenly stop at 50. Or 40. Or 30.
We tested it on several people, some as young as 2, and while the countdown does start counting down pretty fast once you get to the 20s, the sound *is* still there.
2. It's gonna be okay. If the sound stops for you before you expect it to, it doesn't mean you're old and shriveling and need to start looking at burial plots lest you end up interred on a golf course.
You may want to talk to a doctor or specialist if it's significantly sooner than you'd like.
If your ear-holes turn out to be youthful and pristine; keep them that way with ear protection, don't stand in front of the speakers at concerts, and don't listen to that THX sound on repeat like we did in the 90's.
Everybody ready to continue? Good. Here we go.
Fitness coach and TikTok user Justin Agustin recently posted a hearing age test that has people more than a little concerned about their hearing health.
The premise is simple: a high pitched sound is played, and the frequency modulates over time while an age counter is displayed. When you can no longer hear the sound, that's about your "hearing age."
It's best done on a device rated for high frequencies. Some phones may actually not be able to play beyond about 25, but at that point you're pretty safe as it's not intended to be a pediatric test, anyway.
WARNING: This Sound is Extremely Annoying
Human hearing degrades at a decently predictable rate, which is why tests like these work. It's a ballpark thing used to create a point of comparison - nobody is saying you're 30 but your left ear drum is 62 and only has 5 years to go before it stops working.
This test is merely an anecdotal little nudge that says "Hey friend, if your results surprise you then you should talk to a doctor." This test alone isn't a cause for major concern.
TikTok had all sorts of reactions to this test.
Shock, denial, the sort of human fragility that can only be expressed through emojis...
@justin_agustin/TikTok
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Obviously some people did find cause for concern.
Were you one of them?
@PreetBharara/X
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@evangelinewarren/X
@FrankC164/X
AMC