Methodology

This page documents how our tools work at a high level, what they can and can’t do, and how to use them responsibly. These tools are designed for awareness, education, and screening—not for regulatory compliance.

Online Sound Meter (Decibel Meter)

Our sound meter uses your device microphone through the Web Audio API to estimate sound level changes over time. The reading is best interpreted as a relative indicator and trend (quiet vs. loud, changing over time), especially across different devices.

What It Measures

Real-time level estimates derived from microphone input.
Session statistics (min, average, max) for the current run.
Frequency visualization (for education and pattern spotting).

Known Limitations

Device microphones have different sensitivity and processing.
Automatic gain control may affect stability.
Room acoustics and distance can change readings significantly.
Not a calibrated Class 1/2 sound level meter.

For a practical measurement workflow, see How to Measure Decibels Accurately. For reference-only calibration, see Phone Decibel Meter Calibration.

Online Hearing Test

Our hearing test is an at-home screening tool inspired by pure tone audiometry. It estimates the softest level where you can “just barely” hear tones across multiple frequencies, separately for each ear.

How It Works

Uses a volume check step to avoid sudden loud playback.
Guides you through frequency steps to estimate thresholds.
Displays a report-style summary for self-screening.

Limits and Interpretation

Headphone model and fit can affect results.
Background noise can mask low-level tones.
Not a medical diagnosis; clinical audiometry remains the standard.
Use results to decide whether to seek professional testing.

For guidance, see Hearing Test Guide and Headphone Safety.

Speaker Test Tones

Speaker test tones help verify stereo channel wiring, polarity (phase), and identify issues such as rattling or uneven frequency response. Our tools generate tones and noise in the browser and provide step-by-step guidance for common checks.

Typical Checks

Left/right channel identification
In-phase vs. out-of-phase polarity perception
Frequency sweeps for buzzing, dropouts, or resonances

Safe Use

Start low volume and increase gradually.
Use short bursts for high frequencies.
Stop if playback becomes uncomfortable.

For a comprehensive workflow, see How to Test Speakers and Headphones.

Privacy and Data Processing

Audio processing runs locally in your browser. We do not record or upload raw microphone audio. “Save Report” generates a file on your device using summary statistics from your current session.