Sound / Pitch comparison
Tinnitus Frequency Matcher: Quiet Pitch Comparison
Compare a sine tone or narrow-band noise with the pitch you perceive, using a logarithmic slider and 1 Hz steps. Start quiet; this does not diagnose or treat tinnitus.
Tinnitus Frequency Matcher: Quiet Pitch Comparison: Produces a sine tone or filtered noise centred on an adjustable frequency between 250 Hz and 16 kHz. The logarithmic slider moves evenly across octaves; buttons change the centre frequency by 1 Hz. Signal level starts at 1% and is independent of device volume. Playback stops on leaving the tab, window focus loss or after 60 seconds. It is a pitch-comparison aid only. Runs 100% locally in your browser with zero server file uploads.
- Category
- Everyday tools
- Runs
- In your browser
- Cost
- Free · no sign-up
- Availability
- Ready to use
Runs entirely in your browser
Set your device volume low before pressing Play. Use a moderate, comfortable volume; never turn it up to force a match or hear a high tone. Stop if it hurts, causes discomfort or makes symptoms worse. Output here is not calibrated in decibels.
This does not diagnose or treat tinnitus. Discuss persistent or bothersome tinnitus with an audiologist or doctor.
Compare briefly, then stop and rest. The slider spends equal space on each octave; the buttons change pitch by 1 Hz. Noise is filtered around the selected centre frequency, so it has no single pitch. Tone and noise loudness differ. Headphones, speakers, hearing and browser sample rate limit what you can hear; inaudible tones do not establish hearing loss.
NIDCD: tinnitus and professional assessment · NHS: tinnitus and when to seek help
Medical context
NIDCD, Tinnitus: causes, evaluation and management. This page is a pitch-comparison aid, not a clinical test or treatment. Source: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus . NHS tinnitus information and guidance on seeking care: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tinnitus/ .
Hearing safety
NIDCD explains that loud sound can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Keep playback comfortable and brief; this tool cannot calibrate the sound level at your ears. Source: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss .
Sound generation
Web Audio oscillators generate the sine tone; a band-pass filter shapes locally generated noise. Filter Q is centre frequency divided by bandwidth. The logarithmic slider follows f = 250 × 64^(position/1000). W3C Web Audio specification: https://www.w3.org/TR/webaudio/ .
How to use it
- Read the hearing-safety guidance and turn device volume down before playing.
- Play briefly at a comfortable volume and adjust frequency or choose narrow-band noise.
- Stop and rest. Discuss persistent or bothersome tinnitus with an audiologist or doctor.
Privacy & limitations
Sound is generated locally. No microphone permission is needed and nothing is recorded or uploaded.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Can this diagnose or treat tinnitus?
No. Matching a pitch does not establish a diagnosis, cause or treatment. NIDCD advises professional assessment; see an audiologist or doctor for persistent or bothersome symptoms.
What volume should I use?
Start with device volume low and use a moderate, comfortable level. Stop if uncomfortable or symptoms worsen. Never raise volume to force a match. The signal slider is not a calibrated sound-pressure measurement.
Why can I not hear a high tone?
Hearing, headphones, speakers and browser sample rate all affect playback. An inaudible tone here is not evidence of hearing loss. Use professional hearing assessment for concerns.
Does noise have an exact pitch?
No. It contains a band of frequencies around the selected centre, using a band-pass filter with Q = 20. Its loudness differs from a sine tone at the same slider level.
Free tool · runs in your browser · no account required