For how long should a tone be presented during testing?

In hearing testing, presenting a tone for a duration of one second is considered standard practice. This duration is generally sufficient for the listener to perceive and respond to the sound, allowing for accurate assessment of their hearing ability. A one-second presentation also provides enough time to minimize the risk of missing the tone due to reflexive reactions or brief lapses in attention from the listener.

Using a duration longer than one second might lead to unnecessary fatigue or confusion for the test subject, especially if the tone is presented repeatedly. Conversely, durations shorter than one second might not give the listener adequate time to hear and respond, potentially resulting in unreliable test results. Therefore, a one-second tone presentation strikes the right balance, ensuring effective and reliable testing while maintaining the subject's comfort and focus.