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Frequently Asked Questions
You are not required to take the iHEARtest; however, if you are unsure of your hearing ability, we recommend that you take the iHEARtest or the Free Online Hearing Screening before purchasing one of our devices.
iHEAR products sold online are subject to a 60-day satisfaction and money back guarantee*, less return shipping fees. iHEAR will not refund products that were modified, damaged through no fault of iHEAR, or repaired without the written consent of iHEAR.
*Restocking fees may apply. See terms and conditions for more details.
A 1-Year Limited Warranty is extended to the original purchaser of the hearing device and covers defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment of the device.
If the device contains a defect in material or workmanship, iHEAR Direct, at its option will repair or replace the device at no charge except for transportation to and from the point of service. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to return the device directly to iHEAR Direct. after receiving authorization to return.
This warranty does not cover breakage or failure due to tampering, misuse, carelessness, improper maintenance, excessive wax build-up, accidents, liquid exposure or modification. The warranty is void if the device is repaired by anyone other than iHEAR Direct.
iHEAR products sold online are subject to a 60-day satisfaction and money back guarantee*, less return shipping fees. iHEAR will not refund products that were modified, damaged through no fault of iHEAR, or repaired without the written consent of iHEAR.
*Restocking fees may apply. See terms and conditions for more details.
Please contact Customer Support to request a RMA (Return Material Authorization) number through any of the following:
Call Toll Free: 916-237-8116
Send us an email: support@iheardirect.com
Live Chat: Log into your account, then Click on the Chat icon.
iHEAR will only accept authorized returns with a RMA number.
Please contact Customer Support to request a RMA (Return Material Authorization) number through any of the following:
Call Toll Free: 916-237-8116
Send us an email: support@iheardirect.com
Live Chat: Log into your account, then Click on the Chat icon. iHEAR will only accept authorized returns with a RMA number.
The FDA and many State regulations require that you either get a medical examination and prescription from a physician before you purchase a hearing aid, or sign a waiver (available online) stating that you decline a medical examination. Please read the following list of conditions carefully. If you know, or were informed by a physician that you have any of the following conditions, you will need a medical clearance (prescription) by a physician before using the iHEAR device:
- Visible deformity of the ear
- Fluid or drainage (not earwax) from the ear within the past 90 days
- Sudden, rapidly progressing, or changing hearing loss within the past 90 days
- Spells of acute or chronic dizziness
- Hearing loss on one side that worsened in the past 90 days
- A recent or current ear infection, a plugged-up fullness feeling
- A punctured eardrum
- Conductive hearing loss, or air-bone gap
- Excessive wax buildup, or a history of excessive wax buildup
- Foreign object stuck in ear canal
- Pain or discomfort in the ear
- Ringing in one or both ears which began or worsened in the last 90 days
This is for you own protection to ensure there are no medical issues that may require help or advice from a health professional.
If you have any of the contraindications, you will need to have your physician (doctor) fill out the medical clearance form to proceed with using the iHEAR device. To get a copy of the medical clearance form, log in to your account, click on SUPPORT and download the medical clearance form.
While most individuals have some benefit with a single hearing device, research has shown that for maximum benefit; including better localization of sound and better understanding, it’s best to wear a hearing device in each ear if both are within the fitting range of the device.
The iHEAR devices are not intended specifically to remedy tinnitus. However, studies have shown that amplification by a hearing device provides some relief in approximately 2/3rd of all cases. This, of course, depends on the severity and frequency of the tinnitus condition. If you suffer from tinnitus or have further questions about it, we recommend that you seek professional evaluation for diagnosis and possible remedy.
No, there is no guarantee that the iHEAR device or any hearing device will work for you, even if you are within our hearing loss range. There are many factors that determine success including the type of hearing loss, size and shape of your ear canal.
We guarantee the device against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original date of purchase.
The device is designed to operate reliably for about 18-24 months. After this period, miniature audio components within the iHEAR device begin to deteriorate, similar to the deterioration of audio components in your cell phone after about 18-24 months of use.
When it becomes discolored or appears soiled.
When feedback starts, becomes more frequent, or when the iHEAR device does not stay in the correct position in the ear.
Comfort Tips need to be replaced after 30 days of use for optimal performance and minimal risk of infection, even if they are not visibly damaged or soiled.
- Clean the device(s) using the cleaning wipes provided, or with a tissue, or with a dry toothbrush
- Always have clean hands before handling the hearing devices
- Keep them away from children and pets
- Refer to the iHEAR User Guide for more care and maintenance tips
- Watch the iHEAR maintenance videos on our site.
- DO NOT USE isopropyl alcohol or alcohol wipes to clean the iHEAR device. This may damage the device and void the warranty.
- While the hearing device is in your hand.
- Sometimes, if you place or cup your hand over the hearing device.
- During insertion and removal of the device from your ear if hearing device is on.
- If device is not completely or properly inserted into the ear.
- If the Comfort Tip is the wrong size (too small or too large).
- If there is wax in the ear canal.
- If device setting is turned up too loud.
- Tip: it takes about five seconds for your hearing device to start up when you snap the battery module on. This is intended to give you adequate time to insert the device in your ear without worrying about feedback.
- Contact iHEAR Customer Support if any assistance is needed: 1(844)443-2744 or support@iheardirect.com.
- You may be using an incorrect Comfort Tip size that is loose in your ear canal. Ensure that you are using the correct Comfort Tip size. A properly sized Tip should effectively block ambient sound, similar to plugging your ear with an earplug. It should be tight but comfortable. You may try repositioning the device for improved fitting inside your ear.
- Inserting the device with your ear flap or pinna pulled back often will help with insertion.
- If you have the proper sized Comfort Tip, try lubricating the seal with water or water-based lubricant before inserting into your ear.
- If that does not work, reduce the clarity on the loud female voice and the clarity on the soft female voice.
This is known as the "Barrel Effect" and may be caused by several factors including a shallow placement of the hearing device in your ear, or inadequate low frequency setting. You may try one or more of the following to resolve:
- Try repositioning the hearing device in your ear. Pulling the ear flap or pinna back often helps with proper placement.
- Try a smaller Comfort Tip size, which could result in deeper placement and less barrel effect. Beware as this may increase the chance of feedback due to inadequate sealing in your ear.
- Try to reduce (or sometimes increase) the low frequency amplification of the hearing device by running the iHEARtuner Application and adjusting the level of "Loud Male Voice". Make sure you save all your new settings before you exit the application.
This usually indicates that there is too much high frequency amplification.
To make it less tinny, reduce the bird chirp in iHEARtuner. Additionally, reducing the clarity of the soft female voice often helps.
Technical (Computer & Software) Support and Professional Support (Audiology) are available, depending on the type of questions you have. We are more than happy to help over the phone, via email, or on live chat: 916-237-8116 or support@iheardirect.com. Support is available Monday through Fridays from 8 AM to 5PM (PST).
Yes, our devices feature special nano-technology for moisture protection of internal and external components. But limited to incidental water exposure such as rain, surface swimming, and showering. Exposure to chlorinated water or high pressure water may damage the hearing device.
This is important for your own protection to insure that there are no medical issues (contraindications), which may require help or advice from a hearing health professional.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you are not satisfied with your iHEAR hearing device, you have 60 days from the date of shipment to return it and qualify for a full refund.*
Unless otherwise required by law, all iHEAR hearing devices and accessories (“the hearing device products”) sold may be returned within 60 days from the date of shipment (the “trial period”). If for whatever reason you are not satisfied with your hearing device purchase, you can return it to us for a refund of the full purchase price less shipping fees. You may be charged a restocking fee as described in our terms and conditions. Upon inspection of the returned hearing device product, we will issue the refund. iHEAR will not refund hearing device products that were modified, damaged through no fault of iHEAR, or if repairs have been made without the written consent and knowledge of iHEAR. iHEAR cannot provide refunds for services, such as a pre-programming service.
A programming kit may be returned within 60 days from the date of shipment if returned along with hearing devices or if the programming kit is unused. Upon inspection of a returned programming kit, we will issue a refund for the full purchase price less return shipping fees and a restocking fee as described below.
The iHEARtest kit may be returned within 60 days from the date of shipment only if unused. Upon inspection of a returned iHEARtest kit, we will issue a refund for the full purchase price less shipping fees and a restocking fee as described below.* iHEAR will not refund iHEARtest products that were used.
*Restocking fees may apply. See terms and conditions for more details.
Our Professional Support team is made up of Certified Hearing Professionals who are available to help you make the right adjustments to optimize your hearing experience. Professional Support is included for 60 days free of charge with your iHEAR device purchase. Thereafter, you will be charged $49 for a 1-hour session with our Professional Support team. We recommend purchasing 1 Year of Unlimited Professional Support so that you have unlimited support by our Professional Support team to help you optimize your hearing experience.
Technical Support (Computer & Software) and Professional Support (Audiology) are available, depending on the type of questions you have. We are more than happy to help over the phone, via email, or on live chat: 916-237-8116 or support@iheardirect.com.
It is possible that the iHEAR activation email went into your junk/spam folder. Please check there and if the email still does not show up within about 10 minutes after you tried to create an account, then it is also possible that there was a typo when entering your email address. You can check this by going to the sign up page and creating your account again. If you get a message saying that the account already exists, then you can have the activation email be re-sent to you by going to the “Sign In” page and clicking on “Resend activation link.” When all else fails, you can try creating an account using a different email address or contact customer support.
Absolutely! You will get free online and telephone support with all of our products. Professional Support is available free of charge for the first 60 days after your purchase of the product. Before contacting us, please follow the instructions, read the FAQ, and the information provided online and through the User Guides.
Customer Support is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time).
Yes. You be will guided online with step-by-step instructions on how to do this. You must click and agree to the terms for downloading the iHEAR software application, similar to downloading other software applications online. Please refer to the Computer & Software Requirements.
All test results and data are stored on our HIPAA-compliant Internet server, which offers secure access to your data using settings and a password you set. This way you can administer the test, review your results, or fine-tune the settings of your hearing device from any personal computer with a USB port.
If you suspect you have earwax issues, please consult with a physician (doctor) before using any iHEAR device. (Please refer to the contraindications.)
Do not try to insert cotton swabs, toothpicks, hairpins, or other objects in your ear to remove earwax. This can worsen earwax buildup. It can also push earwax deeper or even cause injury to the ear.
If you are aware or suspect that you have excessive earwax you should have your ears examined and cleaned thoroughly by a physician before using any iHEAR device.
Most people with hearing loss have symmetrical hearing loss (similar loss in both ears) and need a pair of hearing devices for optimal hearing improvement.
If only one ear is within the fitting range (mild to moderate to severe), or only one is within your budget, you may still benefit from using a single hearing device.
It is best to consult with a hearing professional for this type of hearing loss.
You can order the iHEARtest Kit (for only $69), to more accurately determine the level of your hearing ability.
If your hearing was tested and you know that you have hearing loss, you may order any of the hearing aids appropriate to your loss available on this site. If you'd like one of our professionals to recommend an iHEAR device for your individual hearing loss, please email a copy of your recent hearing test result to support@iheardirect.com. Be sure to include that you'd like a device recommendation as well as your contact information.
If you have doubts about your hearing ability, you can take our Online questionnaire or Contact Customer Support at 916-237-8116. For a more accurate hearing testing, you can order our iHEARtest Kit (iHEARtest) for $69.
The following are some common hearing loss symptoms:
- Decreased ability to hear speech in noisy environments.
- Setting the TV and radio too loud, as determined by others in the room or car.
- Often asking people to repeat words.
- Unable to hear soft or far away sounds as well as before. For example, not hearing the house doorbell, or a telephone ringing in another room.
- Unaware of common environmental sounds such as your keyboard or mouse clicking, fan noise, car motor, etc.
If you have doubts about your hearing ability, you can also take our Free Online Hearing Screening or contact our customer support at 916-237-8116.
For a more accurate hearing testing, you can order our Home Hearing Test Kit (iHEARtest) for $69.
A Programming Kit is used with the iHTuner software application to program and customize your iHEAR device from home. We highly recommend that you purchase a kit. You will not be able to program or tune your iHEAR device from home without a Programming Kit.
iHEAR devices can be programmed using a Programming Kit (sold separately) and the iHTUNER application. A Programming Kit can be purchased from our online store and the iHTUNER application is available for download through your iHEAR Account. Using the Programming Kit and the iHTUNER software, you can program your device according to your perceptions for loudness, speech clarity and intelligibility for male and female voices, as well as music.
Our Customer Support team will happily walk you through any of these steps should you need assistance: 916-237-8116 or support@iheardirect.com. Customer Support is available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM (Pacific Standard Time).
With our Professional Programming Service, one of our professionals will program your select iHEAR device's settings for you according to a recent hearing test result or your iHEARtest results. You will need to submit a recent hearing test result or take the iHEARtest within 14 days of ordering this special service and notify Customer Support at support@iheardirect.com or 916-237-8116 or your device will ship without professional programming.
Don’t expect normal hearing immediately and right out-of-the-box. A hearing device is a valuable tool to help you hear better but will not restore the full function of normal hearing, especially during the first few weeks. Hearing devices are supposed to maximize the hearing you have left with an emphasis on speech enhancement. Even with the most advanced hearing technology and customization available, you are likely to have difficulty hearing in challenging situations such as noisy environments. Keep in mind that even people with great hearing will have trouble hearing every word of a conversation in a challenging environment.
Expect your hearing device to be comfortable to wear and you should never experience pain or soreness. If uncomfortable, remove the hearing device immediately and try a smaller ear tip. If the pain persists or other issues arise, contact our Customer Support for assistance.
Expect to wear your hearing device consistently for most waking hours. If you are a first-time user, you should start with 2-4 hours a day, then gradually increase to 8 hours per day minimum.
Infrequent use of your hearing device is a major barrier to adaptation and will not allow you to attain the full benefits of the hearing device. Your brain needs substantial exposure to sounds and time to learn how to handle those sounds again.
Adapting to a new hearing device often takes one month and can be challenging, with results varying for each person. Once you adapt, you should notice significant improvement in your hearing ability:
- Your ability to hear and understand others should be improved
- Hearing and communicating in quiet environments should noticeably be improved
- Hearing in noisy environments should also be improved, but expect some challenges (as we all find these settings challenging).
- You should adjust to your own voice, but it should not continue to be annoying.
- The intensity and quality of sounds should be sharper, brighter and clearer — but not irritating.
Wearing hearing devices in both ears should improve your hearing ability, help you identify the location of each sound, and improve speech perception in noisy conditions. (Our brains are designed to use both ears, not one. If you have a hearing loss in both ears, you really should be using a pair of hearing devices.)
- Wear your hearing devices only in quiet environments during the first few days.
- Wear them only a few hours a day during the first week.
- Read to yourself out loud for 10 minutes or so to help you get used to the sound of your own voice again.
- Practice by listening to your TV or having a conversation with a family member.
- Take breaks by removing the hearing device/s when you feel tired or overwhelmed by the new sound experience.
- Set realistic expectations; hearing devices will not restore your hearing to normal — but they will make a big difference in your hearing ability.
- Most importantly- be patient and practice. Allow your brain to adapt and seek help from our Customer Support: 916-237-8116 or support@iheardirect.com.
When you first begin wearing your hearing device, your own voice may sound different. This is because hearing devices also amplify your own voice. Some have compared the sensation of hearing their own voice through their hearing device to hearing a recording of themselves. Remember, while a hearing device is optimized for speech, it will amplify all sounds in that range, and that includes your own voice. The hearing device may occlude or plug your ear canal which can also make your voice sound different. This is known as the “occlusion effect”- sounding like you’re in a barrel- and it takes few days to adjust. If your own voice continues to sound funny - you may try a different ear tip. Our Customer Support is familiar with the “occlusion effect” and can assist you to mitigate it: 916-237-8116 or support@iheardirect.com.
No. The iHEARhdTM device is a daily wear device. You are expected to remove it from the ear daily before you sleep. But since it is comfortable to wear, you can occasionally sleep with it in your ear.
The Comfort Tip is part of the iHEARhd, which provides secure and comfortable fit in your ear, and prevents feedback (whistling). You will need to select the correct size for your ear. The Comfort Tip lasts about 30 days, and costs about $3.00 per pack which contains 2 tips. A one-month supply of Comfort Tips in all sizes is included with your iHEARhd purchase. Before you order more tips, try on the various tip sizes to determine which size fits you best.
- When it becomes discolored or appears soiled.
- When feedback starts, becomes more frequent, or when the iHEARhd does not stay in the correct position in the ear.
- Comfort Tips need to be replaced after 30 days of use for optimal performance and minimal risk of infection, even if they are not visibly damaged or soiled.
You should expect to pay about $6.50/month for the Battery Modules and Comfort Tips for a typical use of the iHEAR device. This, of course may vary depending on usage patterns and the condition of you ear canal. For example, excessive earwax buildup may require replacing the battery or the seal tip more frequently.
The iHEARhd is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing losses. The iHEARhd is not suitable for severe or profound hearing loss.
The iHEARhd device is designed to fit a wide range of ear canals, from small to extra-large. However, the iHEARhd device is not expected to fit in extra small, or unusually shaped ear canals.
The iHEARhd device is designed to fit inconspicuously in about 85% of ear canals. For some, it will be conspicuous. For others it may not fit at all.
A good physical fit for most individuals is made possible by the comfort tip, which comes in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large.
We will do everything possible to make sure your fitting is successful. But if that does not work for you, we will gladly recondition the iHEARhd device, and donate it to someone in need of a hearing device, or to someone you know.
The iHEARhd Programming Kit contains everything you need to customize a single or pair of iHEARhd device(s). The kit is an available option for customers who want to customize their iHEARhd device.
It is easy to insert and remove with fingertips for most people. Just in case, we include tools to help you insert and remove the iHEARhd device if needed.
Watch the video on Inserting and Removing the iHEARhd from the ear.
Yes, there are two ways to turn off the iHEARhd.
- Push up the handle of the Battery Module to release. It is now in OFF position.
- Inserting the iHEARhd device into the storage slot of the tool kit, by pushing it (1) IN, then (2) UP. It is now in OFF position and in storage mode.
Turning the device OFF when not in use is important to prolong battery life.
Please refer to the iHEARhd User Guide for more information.
- Hold the comfort tip and push up on the handle to remove the battery module. Lift the battery module up and away from the device.
- Pull the new battery module's tab to activate the battery before use. Align the nose to the groove lock, rotate down, then pinch & lock for a secure connection.
Watch the how-to-video.
For more information, refer to the user guide
About 9 days on the average, assuming 14 hours daily operation, and turning the device off at night. Our battery module pack comes with three battery modules good for approximately one month. Turning the device OFF when not in use is important to prolong battery life.
Expect to pay about $5/month for each device for batteries.
Batteries last approximately 7-10 days on the average, assuming 14 hours daily operation, and turning the device off at night. Our battery module pack comes with three (3) battery modules good for approximately one month.
The iHEARhd Battery Module is specially designed to maintain reliable hearing device operation, and prevent earwax and moisture accumulation. Any attempt to install a standard hearing aid battery will likely damage the iHEARhd device and will void the warranty. The iHEARhd Battery Modules can ordered from our website or by calling toll free 1 (844) iHEAR44 (1-844-443-2744). A 1-month supply of batteries is included with your iHEARhd purchase.
HD Setting has been renamed iHEARtuner.
You need to redo the iHEARtuner procedure.
- Quit and restart the browser, then log back into your account.
- Unplug the Programming Cable from the iHEARusb and the iHEARusb from the computer.
- Go back to the HDSetting page and Proceed to Program iHEARhd. Please ensure that the following are securely connected:
- Programming Pill to the battery compartment
- Programming Cable to the iHEARusb
- iHEARusb to the computer
Included with the Eva:
- Eva device
- 1 Battery Pack (6 batteries/2-month supply)
- Assorted size Ear Tips (1-month supply)
- Eva User Guide
- Carrying case
- Sport lock
Options available to customize device settings.
The Eva Programming Kit contains everything you need to program and tune one or a pair of iHEAR device(s). The kit is an available option for customers who want to customize their Eva device. For an overview of the Eva Programming Kit please click here.
At checkout, select the Custom Programming Service option ($99). With this service, our Professional Support staff will program your Eva hearing aids for you ahead of time according to a recent hearing test result or your iHEARtest Hearing Number. Your Eva hearing aids will be ready to use out of the the box. You must submit a recent hearing test result or take the iHEARtest within 14 days of purchase and notify Customer Support at support@iheardirect.com or 1 (844) 443-274 or device will ship without custom programming.
The Ear Tip provides a secure and comfortable fit in your ear, and prevents feedback (whistling). Your purchase of the Eva device comes with a 1-month supply of assorted tip sizes. You will need to determine the correct size for your ear before you order more. The Ear Tip lasts about 30 days, and costs about $1.50 each, or $3.00 per pack which contains 2 tips. These packs are available for purchase through our online store.
When it becomes discolored or appears soiled.
When feedback starts, becomes more frequent, or when the Eva does not stay in the correct position in the ear.
Ear Tips need to be replaced after 30 days of use for optimum performance and minimal risk of infection, even if they are not visibly damaged or soiled.
The Eva battery is a size 312 battery which is available for purchase at most drugstores. We recommend you purchase the high energy Battery Pack from our online store to ensure longevity of up to 12 days depending on daily use.Turning the device OFF when not in use is important to prolong battery life. A 2-month supply of batteries is included with your Eva device purchase.
The Eva can be worn comfortably with glasses, as the Eva is a slim and compact hearing aid. If you're experiencing discomfort, we recommend having your glasses adjusted to make room for the hearing aid or contacting iHEAR Professional Support for fitting recommendations: 916-237-8116 or support@iheardirect.com.
Yes, the Eva is highly miniaturized for inconspicuous wear behind small ears and comes with smaller accessories that allow for a more comfortable fit inside small ear canals.
The MAX Tip provides a secure and comfortable fit in your ear, and prevents feedback (whistling). Your purchase of the iHEARMAX comes with a 1-month supply of assorted tip sizes. You will need to determine the correct size for your ear before you order more. The MAX Tip lasts about 30 days, and costs about $1.50 each, or $3.00 per pack which contains 2 tips. These packs are available for purchase through our online store.
The iHEARmax device is intended for use by adults of 18 years of age or older with mild to severe hearing loss. The iHEARmax is not suitable for profound hearing impairment.
Select Standard or Petite size, depending on the size of your ear. The size is determined by the speaker assembly (petite or standard). Generally, petite is recommended for individuals with height of 5’3” or less. If the fit of the speaker assembly is not right for you, contact customer support for a free exchange.
The iHEARmax device is designed to be a virtually invisible behind the ear hearing device. A good physical fit for most individuals is made possible by the MaxTip, which comes in assorted sizes, vented and standard options.
The MAX Power battery should last about 170 hours (12 days of typical use, assuming 14 hours daily operation) and depending on the device being turned off at night. Turning the device OFF when not in use is important to prolong battery life.
The iHEARmax device is suitable for individuals with mild up to severe hearing losses. The iHEARmax is not suitable for profound hearing loss.
You need to redo the iHEARtuner procedure.
- Quit and restart iHEARtuner, then log back into your account.
- Unplug the Programming Cable from the iHEARusb and the iHEARusb from the computer.
- Go back to the iHEARtuner page and “Proceed to Program iHEARmax.” Please ensure that the following are securely connected:
- Programming strip to the slot behind the battery compartment
- Programming Cable to the iHEARusb
- iHEARusb to the computer
The iHEARmax Programming Cable
latest hearing aids
Connecting the Programming Cable to the device
1) OPEN the battery door halfway, make sure the colored line on the connector matches and aligns with the colored dot on the device (make sure a battery is inserted into the battery door).
2) GENTLY INSERT the Programming Strip until the Tabs are flush against the Slit under the dot on the device.
3) CLOSE the battery door with the battery inside to secure the Programming Strip.
Disconnecting the Programming Cable from the device
phonak
1) OPEN the battery door partially.
2) GENTLY PULL the Programming Connector away from the device.
Hearing Health
- Remove the Ear Tip from the end of the speaker.
- Line up and Insert the lock into the speaker with the tail pointed to the receiver assembly (as shown).
- Slide the lock into the receiver (red or blue part) until it is about halfway down the receiver.
- Replace the Ear Tip.
Using the Sport Lock with the iHEAR Device
To use, place the device in your ear normally. After inserting the ear tip/receiver assembly into your ear, take the tail on the lock and curl it back inside your ear as shown.
It will take about a week of daily wear for the lock to form to your ear.
The iHEARmax Programming Kit contains everything you need to program and tune one or a pair of iHEARmax device(s). The kit is an available option for customers who want to customize their iHEARmax device. For an overview of the kit please click here
The iHEARtest is a home hearing screener that checks your ability to hear sounds at different levels and pitches. It includes everything you need to accurately and quickly profile your hearing ability from the comfort of your home. All you need is a personal computer with an Internet connection. Learn more here.
Sometimes its hard to tell if you have impaired hearing because you may have normal hearing for certain levels and pitches, while experiencing difficulties at other levels and pitches. Very often hearing impaired people will say, "I can hear people but can't understand them." They often feel that people mumble. And while many people do mumble, it is likely that the perception of mumbling increases with hearing impairment. They may also think that my hearing is normal for my age, and are not concerned about their hearing loss. However, numerous studies show that left untreated, hearing loss may limit productivity and lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline.
Learn more about hearing loss here.
No. It is a hearing screener for home use by adults of at least 18 years of age. The iHEARtest is not a diagnostic test to clinically diagnose your hearing health, nor to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For a medical evaluation of your ears or your hearing health, you should consult with a hearing health professional.
We recommend taking the iHEARtest if you are unsure about your hearing loss. iHEARtest results can be used to program your iHEAR device(s) before they are shipped out with our Device Professional Programming Service.
Please contact Customer Support is you have any questions: 916-237-8116 or support@iheardirect.com.
The iHEARtest provides a scoring system from 1 to 5 for each ear. It is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) grades of hearing impairment, but the score is based in terms of ability instead of impairment. A Right Ear or Left Ear score of 5 means that you have good hearing ability in that ear*. A score of 1 indicates that you have extensive hearing impairment in that ear and that you should see a hearing professional for further evaluation. A score from 2 to 4 indicates that your hearing may be improved with our invisible, high-performance hearing devices. Below is a chart that shows information you can expect after taking the iHEARtest.
iHEARtest Scoring and World Health Organization (WHO)Grades of Hearing Impairment
iHEARtest Score WHO Grade of impairment Corresponding Audiometric ISO Value** Performance WHO Recommendations
5 0 - No impairment 25 dB or better (better ear) No or very slight hearing problems. Able to hear whispers.
4 1 - Slight impairment 26-40 dB (better ear) Able to hear and repeat words spoken in normal voice at 1 meter.
3 2 - Moderate impairment 41-60 dB (better ear) Able to hear and repeat words spoken in raised voice at 1 meter. Counseling. Hearing aids may be needed.
2 3 - Severe impairment 61-80 dB (better ear) Able to hear some words when shouted into better ear. Hearing aids usually recommended.
1 4 - Profound impairment including deafness 81 dB or greater (better ear) Unable to hear and understand even a shouted voice. Unable to hear and understand even a shouted voice.
WHO Grades 2, 3, and 4 (corresponding to iHEARtest score of 3, 2, 1) are classified as disabling hearing impairment.
*Test score of 5, does not rule out a medical condition.
**The Audiometric ISO values are averages of value at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz.
Available for purchase now at our store!
The iHEARtest kit may be returned within 60 days from the date of shipment only if it has NOT been used. Upon inspection of a returned iHEARtest kit, we will issue a refund.* iHEAR will not refund iHEARtest kits that were used.
*Restocking fees may apply. See terms and conditions for more details.
The 3.5 mm earphone audio plug may not be completely inserted into the iHEARUSB. Ensure that you have firmly inserted the earphone audio plug into the iHEARUSB jack, and the iHEARUSB inserted securely to the computer. Ensure that the Left (black) earphone is inserted in your left ear and the Right (red) is inserted in your right ear.
No, there is no need to run a calibration check before you do the test. Each iHEARtest kit is calibrated before it is shipped. The software will automatically ask you to perform a calibration check after 3 tests.
You can get bad calibration results if the calibration check is performed in a noisy room or if there is too much vibration like, for example, if there is traffic noise vibrations from people walking in the room, etc. If you need to perform a calibration check, it must be done in a quiet room with the device preferably placed on a non-hard surface - for example do not put it on a hard tabletop, use a pillow or a soft pad.
The calibration check may not pass under certain conditions:
There is too much noise in the room. For example, when there is traffic noise, vibrations from people walking around, etc. The calibration check must be done in a quiet room and the device placed on a soft surface. For example, do not put it on a table. Use a soft pad or pillow if you are running into bad calibration.
The earphone nozzle may not have been properly inserted into the calibration cavity. Please insert the nozzle fully into the calibration cavity.
Yes, you will need to download the iHEARtest online software application, which is available through your iHEAR Account. Your iHEARtest order will include a Quick Install Guide to guide you through the process.
5 hearing test credits are included for up to five users; either for yourself, a family member, or friend.
Additional single use hearing tests credits may be purchased by ordering online for $9 per test.
- Visible deformity of the ear
- Fluid or drainage (not earwax) from the ear within the past 90 days
- Sudden, rapidly progressing, or changing hearing loss within the past 90 days
- Spells of acute or chronic dizziness
- Hearing loss on one side that worsened in the past 90 days
- A recent or current ear infection, a plugged-up fullness feeling
- A punctured eardrum
- Conductive hearing loss, or air-bone gap
- Excessive wax buildup, or a history of excessive wax buildup
- Foreign object stuck in ear canal
- Pain or discomfort in the ear
- Ringing in one or both ears which began or worsened in the last 90 days
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There are 2 ways to launch the iHEARtest or iHTUNER applications once you’ve installed them on your computer:
1) If you have just finished installing the software, by default the iHEARtest or iHTUNER application should launch automatically. If you need to re-launch the applications, follow these instructions:
Sign in to your account at http://app.iHEARdirect.com/#/signin
Click on the LAUNCH APPLICATION button for iHEARtest or iHTUNER
2) Locate the iHEARtest or iHTUNER application on your hard drive by searching for the application by name and then DOUBLE-CLICK on the iHEARtest or iHTUNER icon then SIGN IN to your account.
If you are using Windows 7:
Open Programs and Features by clicking the Start button, click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Programs and Features.
Select the "iHEARtest" or “iH TUNER” program, and then click Uninstall
Follow the instructions on the screen to finish the uninstall process.
If you are using Windows 8 or 8.1:
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search.)
Enter control panel in the search box, and then tap or click Control Panel.
Under View by: select Large Icons, and then tap or click Programs and features.
Tap or click the "iHEARtest" or “iH TUNER” program, and then tap or click Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen to finish uninstall process.
If you are using Mac OS 10.10, 10.11, 10.12:
Open the Finder application
Go to: /iHEAR/iHEARtest or /iHEAR/IHTUNER
Double-click on the “maintenance tool” program.
Select the “Remove” or “Uninstall” option and then follow the instructions on the screen to finish the uninstall process.