Using a smartphone hearing test to identify conductive hearing loss

What is it about?

Hearing loss is common, but many people do not have easy access to hearing tests. Smartphone apps could help by offering simple, low-cost ways to check hearing at home. However, most apps can only tell if hearing loss is present—they cannot identify what type of hearing loss someone has. In this study, we tested whether a widely available hearing test app can do more than just detect hearing loss. We found that by combining two types of tests within the app, it may be possible to identify conductive hearing loss, a type often caused by problems in the outer or middle ear. Our results showed that when hearing was temporarily reduced (to simulate conductive hearing loss), the app detected worse hearing thresholds but still showed normal sound processing ability—an important pattern that helps distinguish this type of hearing loss. These findings suggest that smartphone hearing tests could become more useful as early screening tools, helping people recognize potential hearing problems and seek professional care sooner. However, they are not a replacement for a full evaluation by a hearing specialist.

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Why is it important?

Most smartphone hearing tests can tell users if they might have hearing loss, but they cannot determine what type of hearing loss is present—a key limitation for guiding next steps in care. Our study is among the first to show that a widely available mobile app may be able to go beyond simple screening and help distinguish conductive hearing loss using only standard headphones, without specialized clinical equipment. This is especially timely as access to hearing care remains limited for many people worldwide, and interest in digital health tools is rapidly growing. By demonstrating that two simple app-based measures can be combined to approximate information typically requiring more advanced testing, our work points toward a more accessible, scalable approach to early hearing assessment. If validated in broader populations, this approach could help people better understand their hearing problems sooner, support earlier referrals to specialists, and reduce barriers to care—particularly in underserved or remote settings.