Hearing tests

Your journey to clearer hearing starts here

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Your audiologist will take a medical history, carry out an ear examination, full hearing assessment and speech test to diagnose your level of hearing loss.

Once your hearing test is completed, the audiologist will discuss the results and the best hearing aid solutions, if needed,  to improve your hearing.

CALL 0800 313 4304 

and book your free hearing assessment 

Hearing tests can be a cause of anxiety for some people. Perhaps it is fear of the unknown, or maybe it is about confronting an ongoing problem that you’ve been putting off. But at Hearing England we are patient, friendly, and very understanding. We’ve conducted thousands of hearing tests over the years and we will put you completely at ease. If you are worried or concerned about anything, just ask!!

We are very proud of the help that we give to all of our patients, both new and existing. In order that we give the best help possible, we have invested heavily in state of the art diagnostic audiology equipment that allows us to deliver definitive results to our clients. We undertake comprehensive diagnostic testing of your hearing using internationally recognised Best Practice processes. The diagnostic evaluation is made up of several tests that give us the information we need to fully evaluate hearing function. With a full and clear diagnosis, we can then assess if you are suitable for hearing aids and what hearing aids will be best for you.You can arrange to have your free hearing test in your own home or utilising the sound proof booth in our mobile clinic.   You can also arrange a free hearing test at your home or work place if that is more convenient. We have fully portable equipment for this purpose. Call 0800 313 4304 to book.

The Hearing Test procedure includes the following tests and gathering of information:

  • Medical History
  • Lifestyle Questions
  • Ear examination
  • Pure tone testing (Audiometry)
  • Tympanometry
  • Speech Testing

 

Speech Mapping

Speech mapping allows us to assess the impact that your hearing loss is having on your understanding of speech sounds. It helps to answers the question of whether or not your hearing sensitivity is within normal range, or if there is a hearing loss. The test results are also used as a tool to reveal exactly how your loss is affecting your understanding of speech in both quiet and noisy situations. This test and the rest of the group of tests also give us information toward a diagnosis of ear abnormalities. This test is also an excellent tool for assisting us in the recommendation of suitable hearing aids because it allows us to define the sounds in speech that you have most difficulty with.

How it is performed?

Our specialist system allows us to present speech to you in both quiet and noisy situations. During these tests, you will be asked to repeat words that are presented to you at normal speech volume  levels. Word recognition scores will be determined when you repeat words that are presented at this normal listening level.

 Audiometry (Hearing Test)

This group of tests is plotted on an audiogram which shows your hearing sensitivity. It answers the question of whether or not hearing sensitivity is within normal range or if there is a hearing loss or hearing sensitivity that is outside of the range of normal. The test results are also used as a tool to reveal any asymmetry (hearing sensitivity that is not equal between the two ears). The audiometric configuration (the “shape” of the thresholds) and the rest of the group of tests also give us information toward a diagnosis of ear abnormalities.

How it is performed?

This battery of tests involves carefully listening through headphones that are placed over the ears or insert earphones that are placed in the ear canals. Next, pure tones will be presented through the headphones or insert earphones, as well as through a bone-conduction vibrator on a headband that is placed behind the ear. You will listen for the softest level you can detect and will push a button or raise your hand in response. This will determine your hearing thresholds.

Additional tests may be added to the group of tests if an asymmetry of thresholds is found, or if you have tinnitus or dizziness.

 

 Tympanometry

What is it?

This test measures how well your middle ear works. Your middle ear includes your ear drum, the middle ear bones, and your Eustachian tube. It will reveal abnormalities which will signify and can explain a conductive hearing loss and/or a sensation of pressure in the ear.

How it is performed?

An ear tip is placed in the canal that is connected to a machine that briefly varies the pressure in the ear. By varying the pressure, the movement of the eardrum can be measured. It takes only a few minutes to complete.

How long does the group of tests take?

The group of tests is completed in 60 minutes. After the testing, the results are reviewed with you and recommendations are made.

 


Hearing Test Results

The results of your tests will be recorded on a form called an audiogram, which the hearing aid specialist will review with you. The audiogram reflects your hearing loss in frequencies and decibels. You will be shown the type, pattern, and degree of hearing loss, as well as the percentage of normal conversational speech that you are still able to hear.Your hearing aid specialist will then relate these results to your concerns about your hearing.

Hearing Aid benefit assessment

If you are a suitable candidate for hearing aids, we will then move onto a hearing aid benefit assessment. During this test, we use our fitting suite to fit a set of suitable hearing aids to your defined loss. We can then use Real Ear Measurement (REM) to verify that the devices are delivering the amplification that you need. We will also undertake aided speech tests to ascertain the benefit delivered.

Hearing Loss Treatment Solutions

The next step is to consider treatment solutions. You can count on our team to take the time necessary to understand your concerns so that they can provide you with everything you need to make an informed personal decision.

A Clear patient journey

When we have finished your hearing test, we will set out and agree with you a clear way forward, a Patient Journey that covers all of the elements of your treatment. This allows you to be clear on what we propose, how we propose to deliver it and how you can expect to benefit from it.

How long does a Hearing Test take?

A full hearing test takes on average 40-60 minutes, depending on the circumstances.  Many people choose to bring a friend or family member with them for support during the test, but it is not necessary.  At Hearing England, all of our tests are completely without obligation.  Additionally, if you do decide to order a hearing aid, we do not expect you to pay for it until the fitting appointment (usually between 3-10 days later), and all of our hearing aids now come with a 60 day money back guarantee as standard.

If you research or read about hearing loss or hearing aids, chances are you’ve got the message that getting your hearing loss dealt with early pays dividends in the future.

For one thing early intervention can slow down the future progression of hearing loss. That’s a good enough reason to get it sorted but in addition, a raft of recent research has indicated that tackling hearing loss can help stave off dementia.

However astonishingly,  people very often treat their hearing differently to other aspects of their health. If your vision becomes compromised, do you wait years to get glasses? If you have a toothache, do you put off seeing your dentist until the pain becomes unbearable?

Hearing loss, though, is handled differently. Maybe because it usually comes on slower and is easier to “work around” using various coping methods.

But many studies have shown — and many experts have written about — why waiting to treat hearing loss is ill advised. Untreated hearing loss is linked to many “bigger” health issues, including depression, social isolation, increased risk of falling and more. Whereas treating loss has been shown to positively impact many vital quality-of-life issues, such as better relationships with family and friends and improved confidence.

Today there’s no reason to wait so long to seek help.

You can start by taking a free hearing test. Contact Hearing England to find out more or make an appointment by calling 0800 313 4304.

The Hearing England Remote Hearing Test

Our online hearing test is a helpful way to find out more about your hearing. It is not designed to replace a clinical test with a qualified audiologist, either at home or in our clinic. However, it can help you decide if you need to take a closer look at your hearing. You can try the Hearing England online hearing test here.

 Hearing England Online Hearing Test

A brief guide to taking Hearing England online hearing test

  1. Make sure you have some headphones or earphones handy, which you can plug into your PC, laptop or mobile device.
  2. If you know your email address make sure you have it to hand as your results and some advice will be sent to you.
  3. Find a quiet environment.
  4. Relax!
  5. After an initial question the online hearing test will begin. Low, mid and high-pitched tones will play out in turn. You will be asked to hit the plus or minus button to a point at which you can just make out the sound.
  6. After each question click the ‘Next’ button.
  7. You will then be asked a few questions about your hearing in different situations.
  8. After completing the Hearing England online hearing test you will be asked if you would like a call back from an audiologist and to submit your email for your results.
  9. Remember, getting your hearing tested is a fundamental step to improving your wellbeing, your comfort and your future prospects in terms of staving off dementia and other conditions.


What next?

Using our online hearing test can help you decide whether to speak to an audiologist. Its not designed to replace a clinical hearing test but can give you a little bit more information. Of course you don’t have to take the online hearing test before you get in touch! You can call us any time to discuss your hearing and to find out how Hearing England can support you.

Most importantly, don’t worry! If you do find you have some kind of hearing loss, you are not alone! There are 11 million people with hearing loss in the UK, that’s around one in six of us. And more than 40% of people over 50 years old have hearing loss, rising to 71% of people over the age of 70.*

*Figures from Action for Hearing Loss UK

0% Finance On All Hearing Aids At Hearing England

We are offering 0% on hearing aids at Hearing England. Not just that, with 0% deposit. You can pick your re-payment terms with payments made over 6, 12 or 18 months, whichever suits you and your budget best.

Take a look at the type of hearing aids available below

Behind the Ear (BTE)

The receiver-in-canal model is a new development in hearing aid technology. Similar in style to both the Behind the Ear and the Open Fit, it differs by the positioning of the electronic receiver. A receiver in the canal aid has a smaller external housing, as the speaker is placed within the ear canal, offering a more natural sound and very comfortable fit. It is a discreet yet powerful model of hearing aid, offering superior noise reduction technology.

Receiver in Canal (RIC)

The receiver-in-canal model is a new development in hearing aid technology. Similar in style to both the Behind the Ear and the Open Fit, it differs by the positioning of the electronic receiver. A receiver in the canal aid has a smaller external housing, as the speaker is placed within the ear canal, offering a more natural sound and very comfortable fit. It is a discreet yet powerful model of hearing aid, offering superior noise reduction technology.

Full Shell ITE

The ‘Full Shell’ is the largest of the in the ear hearing aids and is custom made to fit in the outer ear. This design offers many advantages for people with a more severe hearing loss, including volume controls and powerful amplification.

Half Shell (ITE)

Completely in the Canal (CIC) aids can offer a discrete and practically invisible style, well suited for those looking for an aid with cosmetic appeal. Hearing quality is not compromised by the small size, as the microphone sits within the canal offering a natural sound comparable to regular hearing.

Completely in Canal (CIC)

Technology in the field of Completely in Canal (CIC) hearing aids has been rapidly evolving for over 20 years. Recently, the frontier for total invisibility of hearing aids has been extended even further with manufacturers being able to create an Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aid. IIC’s can sit much deeper in the ear canal than ever before.

Invisible in Canal

Technology in the field of Completely in Canal (CIC) hearing aids has been rapidly evolving for over 20 years. Recently, the frontier for total invisibility of hearing aids has been extended even further with manufacturers being able to create an Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aid. IIC’s can sit much deeper in the ear canal than ever before.

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