If you are taking the DET exam this year, you must know about the latest exam rule, Ear Scan. Duolingo English test keeps updating its exam rules to enhance the security and fairness of the exam. This new DET Ear scanning update is a new security scan that you have to do before giving the exam. It is simply another identity and environment check, just like the room scan and camera verification you already do before the exam starts.
Let’s look at what this new step actually is, why Duolingo introduced it, and how you can prepare so it does not become a problem on your test day.
What is DET’s DET Ear Scanning Update?
The Duolingo English Test is taken from home. No physical invigilator is sitting beside you. Because of that, Duolingo relies heavily on technology and recorded checks to make sure every test is fair. One of the biggest risks in remote exams is the use of hidden audio devices. Small wireless earbuds and hearing devices are now extremely easy to hide. If someone were able to receive spoken help during the exam, it would seriously damage the credibility of the test.
The Duolingo English Test ear-scanning rule is meant to solve exactly this problem. By visually checking both ears before the test begins, Duolingo can confirm that you are not wearing any earphones, earbuds, or similar listening equipment. This protects honest candidates and helps universities continue to trust Duolingo scores.
When You Will Do the Ear Scan?
The ear scan appears during your normal test setup, before the real questions begin. You will still complete all the usual steps:
- Identity verification
- Camera and microphone checks, as well as a room scan.
- After that, the system will prompt you to complete the ear scan.
This step only takes a short time, but you must follow the instructions carefully.
How to Do the EAR Scan?
The process of DET Ear Scanning Update is very simple. You start your test on your computer as usual, using the Duolingo English Test desktop app. When the ear scan screen appears, the system asks you to use your mobile phone.
- You open your phone’s camera and point it towards your ear while looking at your computer screen. On the screen, you will see a live frame that guides you to position your ear correctly.
- First, you scan one ear. You may be asked to bring the phone a little closer so that your ear is clearly visible. After the first ear is accepted, you repeat the same process for the other ear.
Only after both ears are successfully scanned will you be allowed to continue to the next stage of the test.
Things To Keep In Mind:
Most scan failures do not happen because of technical errors. They happen because the camera cannot clearly see the ear.
- If your room is dark, or if the light is coming from behind you, the image can be blurry or shadowed. In such cases, the system may not be able to confirm the scan properly.
- Hair is another common problem. If your hair covers your ears, even partially, the system may treat the scan as incomplete. This includes long hair falling forward, loose side bangs, or head coverings that block the ear area.
- Before you begin the setup, it is a good idea to tie your hair back and make sure both ears are fully visible.
A few practical tips to avoid trouble:
From a student’s point of view, a little preparation makes a big difference.
- First, test your phone camera before the exam. Make sure it focuses well and does not have a damaged lens.
- Second, arrange your lighting in advance. You do not need studio lighting. A simple desk lamp placed in front of you or soft natural light from a window is usually enough.
- Third, remove everything from your ears before you start the test. That includes:
- Wireless earbuds,
- Wired earphones,
- Small Bluetooth devices that you might forget you are wearing.
Finally, follow the on-screen instructions calmly. There is no need to rush the scan. Small adjustments to your position are completely normal.
What Happens If Your Ear Scan is Not Successful?
- If your ears are not clearly visible, or if the scan is incomplete, your test may not be certified. In simple terms, that means your result may not be accepted and you could be asked to take the test again.
- In many reported cases, failed scans were caused by hair blocking the ear, poor lighting, or not positioning the phone correctly.
- A failed scan does not mean your English is in question. It only means the technical requirements were not met. Unfortunately, a failed certification can still cost you time and money, so it is much better to avoid this situation altogether.
If you are preparing for the Duolingo English Test, do not treat the ear scan as something unusual or stressful. Think of it as just another small checklist item before your real exam begins.
- Make sure your phone is ready.
- Choose a well-lit spot.
- Keep your ears clearly visible.
- That is enough to pass this step without any issues.
In a world where more students are choosing online English tests over traditional center-based exams, security measures like the ear scan are becoming unavoidable. The good part is that they do not affect your score, your performance, or your preparation strategy.
If you are preparing for the Duolingo English Test, this practice platform helps you get familiar with the real exam through a full-length DET mock test designed to reflect the actual test format. The real-time exam simulation allows you to experience the same test flow and time pressure, while the instant results help you quickly identify your weak areas and focus on targeted practice. You can also start your preparation with one free DET mock test and build confidence before taking the real exam.
