If you’ve ever had a hearing test at a high street chain, you might think they’re all the same – sit in a booth, press a button, and walk away with a result. But hearing tests have changed a lot in recent years, and at Wigan Hearing, we’re proud to offer the latest and most accurate testing available.
Here’s how hearing assessments have evolved—and why it makes a huge difference to your hearing health.
Then vs Now: The Old vs New Way of Testing
The Old Way:
Basic tone tests (pure tone audiometry only)
No medical-grade checks on middle ear function
No speech understanding testing
Often performed in noisy environments
Limited or no access to results or explanations
The New Way at Wigan Hearing:
3D ear scanning for visualising the ear canal in high detail
Tympanometry to assess middle ear pressure and eardrum health
Speech audiometry to measure how well you understand words in quiet and noise
Acoustic reflex testing to check ear muscle response
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) to evaluate inner ear hair cell function
We go beyond just measuring hearing loss – we dig deeper to find out why it’s happening and how best to treat it.
Why This Matters for You
Most hearing loss is gradual. If you only get a basic test, important things might be missed. Our advanced tests can:
✅ Detect issues like eustachian tube dysfunction, ear drum problems, or early inner ear damage
✅ Help identify medical red flags that need referral
✅ Pinpoint exactly what sounds you’re struggling with
✅ Provide a detailed report so you feel confident in your results
That means you get the right solution, whether that’s ear wax removal, hearing protection, or the most appropriate hearing aids for your lifestyle.
Real-World Example: Hearing Loss vs Hearing Clarity
Two patients may both “hear” sounds, but one might struggle to understand speech—especially in noisy settings like the pub or on the phone.
Standard tests might not pick this up. But our speech audiometry does, which helps us fit hearing aids that prioritise clarity, not just volume.
Why It’s Even More Important Locally
Many places in Wigan and the surrounding areas still offer very basic hearing tests—often in pharmacies or opticians with limited training or equipment.
At Wigan Hearing, we’re fully qualified audiologists, not sales staff. Our tests are:
HCPC registered
Backed by over 10 years’ experience
Completely independent – so we work with all hearing aid manufacturers, not just one brand
We’re the only clinic in Wigan offering this level of diagnostic care with equipment normally reserved for hospitals and ENT departments.
Don’t Settle for a Basic Hearing Check
You wouldn’t rely on a thermometer alone for a full health check – so why settle for a basic tone test for your hearing?
If you live in Wigan, Standish, Chorley or surrounding areas, book a comprehensive hearing test at Wigan Hearing and take control of your hearing health.
Book your full hearing test today:
www.wiganhearing.co.uk/book-wax
Or call us on 01257 444044