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one ear hears less in the hearing test

Ask By Kritika B.686 views

In the hearing test my right ear needs more volume to hear tones. should i be worried?

Brand
Apple
Model
EarPods
Connection
Wired 3.5mm Jack
System
iOS 18
Browser
Safari 18
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
Hearing And Safe ListeningHeadphones
Tool used in this discussionHearing TestFind the highest and lowest tones you can hear
Open Free Tool
Short Answer

A difference between ears can be caused by earwax, a cold or the headphones. Recheck with swapped headphones, and see a doctor if it persists.

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Diana Chen
Diana ChenAudio Team
Hearing Test Architect · 3+ years experience · Answered Oct 14, 2026

Simple things like earwax or fluid from a cold can reduce hearing on one side. Headphone faults also matter.

This is general information and not a diagnosis.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Swap the headphones around and repeat
  2. Run the Left Right Test to rule out equipment
  3. Check for earwax or a blocked ear
  4. See a doctor or audiologist if it continues
Sources
  1. NHS: Hearing Tests
  2. World Health Organization: Deafness And Hearing Loss

Checked by Kriti Desai on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 1

  • Beatriz CardosoCommunity Member

    Earwax in my right ear, doctor cleared it. I checked it again with the Hearing Test afterwards to be sure.

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Tools Mentioned In The Answer

Sound TestsLeft Right TestPlay one side at a time to catch a swapped or dead channel
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Diana Chen
Written and tested by

Diana Chen

Hearing Test Architect at Sound Test

Diana Chen is the Hearing Test Architect on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Designs precise web-based hearing calibration algorithms and variable tone thresholds. Regularly details digital audiology frameworks on LinkedIn and Mastodon. On Sound Tester she answers hearing range and safe listening discussions, and reviews every hearing answer so it stays general information and points readers to a doctor or audiologist when needed.

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  • 8 answers on Sound Test
  • 3+ years experience
  • Reviewed by Kriti Desai
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The Audio Team Behind These Answers

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Brandon VanceBrandon VanceAudio & Acoustic Performance LeadXavier CruzXavier CruzFrequency Sweep SpecialistAlistair CrossAlistair CrossHeadphone Benchmark LeadImogen BlakeImogen BlakeBinaural Beats EngineerCallum SterlingCallum SterlingSurround Sound AuditorGemma GallagherGemma GallagherTone Generator ValidatorHarvey FinchHarvey FinchSpectrum Analyzer LeadRishabh SharmaRishabh SharmaAudio DSP Engineer

Each answer is written by the specialist closest to the topic and checked by a second team member. How we verify answers

Answers are free general guidance from the Sound Tester Audio Team and community. They are not medical advice. For hearing loss, ringing or ear pain, see a doctor or audiologist. Opening a device can void its warranty, so check the maker's support first for hardware faults.

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