When it comes to hearing care, a lot of people start with a quick online hearing test and assume that settles the question. But passing one doesn’t always tell the full story.

Calyn Russ-Whitt, Au.D., a HearingLoss.com®-Certified provider, explains why online hearing screenings, while convenient, often miss the challenges that show up in everyday conversations, like following speech in a noisy restaurant or picking up on differences between your left and right ears. These are the exact areas where a comprehensive evaluation goes further than a quick screening ever could.

She also breaks down what a professional hearing test actually measures and why establishing a baseline matters even if your hearing seems fine right now.

If you’ve taken an online hearing test and assumed that was the final word, this is worth reading first.