The evolutionary drivers responsible for the selection of high‐frequency hearing in teleosts remain unclear. It is generally accepted that low‐frequency hearing is the basal (plesiomorphic) condition, with specializations evolving to allow expansion of hearing bandwidth. While selective forces, usually habitat‐based, have been proposed to explain the evolution of high‐frequency hearing, phylogenetic analysis is currently lacking. The current study examines all available teleost hearing abilities in relation to habitat parameters, salinity, and maximum depth of occurrence of each species. There was no statistical correlation between any of these parameters and maximum frequency of detection and only a weak relationship to best frequency. Phylogenetic position, at the subdivision/superorder level, did significantly predict both maximum and best frequency of detection, but there was no consistent pattern of high‐frequency hearing within the Teleostei, suggesting independent evolution of this ability. These trends were also consistent at the family level. The current reanalysis of available data therefore suggests little evidence for the habitat‐based hypotheses of high‐frequency hearing evolution in the Teleostei. Interesting families and approaches will be highlighted in the current talk in an attempt to foster a more systematic approach to future studies of hearing in fish. [Work supported by NSERC.]