I really think an "es" (s) sound and an "eks" (x) sound are distinct enough. If you want, you can consult a dictionary.

They are always read differently, no matter how fast we read them aloud. We won't make a mistake with these words. Like Eliot said, listen for the K.

1. There's a 'k' in one of them. 2. They appear in totally different situations so it is impossible to mix them up.

i can distinguish cuz they don't sound similar at all. one is /'kcntest/ and one is /'kcntekst/. /test/ and /tekst/ sound different, of cuz. and one more reason, u seldom hear these words being said separately in real life, they're alway in whole sentence. so u can be sure that it won't be " i won a context" or "the contest of this sentence" lol

I think it's easier than distinguishing between chew and true.