About
hearWHO is a hearing screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to make hearing health checks accessible to everyone. Built on validated digits-in-noise technology, the app enables users to quickly assess their hearing status and track it over time through a personalized record. Early detection of hearing loss is critical for effective rehabilitation, and hearWHO empowers individuals to take charge of their hearing health before problems worsen. The app is especially recommended for high-risk groups, including people who frequently listen to loud music through personal audio devices, workers in noisy environments, individuals taking ototoxic medications, and adults over 60. Its intuitive interface clearly displays test results in an easy-to-understand format. Beyond personal use, hearWHO also serves as a practical tool for community health workers who can use it to screen populations in the field and refer individuals for further diagnostic testing if necessary. The app supports five languages — Chinese, Dutch, English, Russian, and Spanish — making it globally accessible. Developed with guidance from an expert advisory group of audiologists and researchers, hearWHO is available for free on both iOS and Android devices, as well as via web browser. It represents a scalable, evidence-based solution for addressing the global burden of undetected hearing loss.
Key Features
- Digits-in-Noise Hearing Test: Uses WHO-validated digits-in-noise technology to accurately screen for hearing loss in a quick, reproducible manner.
- Personalized Hearing History: Keeps a longitudinal record of hearing test results so users can monitor changes in their hearing status over time.
- Community Health Worker Mode: Enables health professionals to screen community members in the field and refer those who fail the screening for clinical diagnostic testing.
- Multi-Language Support: Available in Chinese, Dutch, English, Russian, and Spanish to ensure broad international accessibility.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Runs on iOS, Android, and web browsers, making it accessible on a wide range of devices without specialized hardware.
Use Cases
- Individuals regularly exposed to loud music or occupational noise checking their hearing health at home.
- Community health workers conducting field-based hearing screenings and identifying people who need clinical referrals.
- Older adults (60+) monitoring age-related hearing changes over time using the personalized tracking feature.
- Employers or public health organizations running workplace hearing wellness programs using the app as an initial screening tool.
- Researchers and public health teams gathering population-level hearing screening data in low-resource settings.
Pros
- Free and WHO-Backed: Developed and distributed free of charge by the World Health Organization, ensuring credibility and no cost barrier to access.
- Scientifically Validated: Based on the digits-in-noise methodology, a clinically validated hearing screening approach developed with expert audiologists.
- Globally Accessible: Multi-language support and cross-platform availability (iOS, Android, web) make the tool usable worldwide in diverse settings.
- Dual-Purpose Tool: Serves both individual self-screening and professional community health screening workflows in a single app.
Cons
- Screening Only — Not Diagnostic: The app is a screener and cannot replace formal audiological evaluation; users who fail must still see a clinician for diagnosis.
- Limited Category Coverage: Focused solely on hearing screening; does not address other aspects of ear or auditory health such as tinnitus or balance disorders.
- Dependent on Device & Headphone Quality: Accuracy of results may vary based on the quality of the user's headphones and the acoustic environment during the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hearWHO?
hearWHO is a free mobile and web-based hearing screening app developed by the World Health Organization. It uses validated digits-in-noise technology to help individuals assess and monitor their hearing health.
Who should use hearWHO?
The app is recommended for anyone who wants to check their hearing, but especially for people who frequently listen to loud music, work in noisy environments, take ototoxic medications, or are over 60 years old. Health workers can also use it for community-level screenings.
How does the digits-in-noise test work?
The test plays a series of spoken digits embedded in background noise through headphones. Users are asked to identify the numbers they hear. The score determines their hearing threshold and provides an indication of their hearing status.
Is hearWHO a replacement for a clinical hearing test?
No. hearWHO is a screening tool designed for early detection of potential hearing issues. If you fail the screening, you should consult a healthcare professional or audiologist for a comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluation.
What languages does hearWHO support?
hearWHO is currently available in Chinese, Dutch, English, Russian, and Spanish, allowing for broad international use.
