If you have never had a full hearing assessment, it is natural to wonder what happens, how long it takes and whether anything will hurt. A good appointment should leave you understanding your hearing, not feeling pressured to buy hearing aids.
This article explains the assessment step by step. For the clinic’s current £50 fee and appointment details, see our hearing test service page.
When should you consider a hearing assessment?
Hearing changes are often gradual. You might notice that people seem to mumble, that the television volume has crept up, or that conversations are harder to follow in busy restaurants. Some people notice ringing or other sounds in the ears, while others are prompted by a family member’s concerns.
An assessment can help distinguish hearing difficulties from symptoms that need a different type of medical or ear-health investigation. Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, requires urgent medical assessment and should not wait for a routine hearing appointment.
Before you arrive
It helps to think about when you struggle to hear, whether one ear seems different from the other, any tinnitus or dizziness, previous ear infections or surgery, and any medicines or medical conditions relevant to your hearing. You are welcome to bring someone who knows your listening difficulties or can help you remember information.
If you use hearing aids, bring them and any relevant accessories. If you suspect a wax blockage, tell the clinic before the appointment rather than trying to remove it with cotton buds.
Step 1: Discussing your hearing and medical history
The clinician will ask about your symptoms, everyday listening needs and ear-health history. This is an opportunity to explain the situations that matter most to you, such as understanding grandchildren, following meetings, speaking on the telephone or hearing speech over background noise.
Step 2: Examining the ears
We use otoscopy, including video otoscopy where appropriate, to look at the ear canals and eardrums. This may identify wax, inflammation or other findings that could affect testing or call for medical advice. Not every blocked feeling is caused by wax.
Step 3: Pure-tone and bone-conduction testing
During pure-tone audiometry you listen for quiet sounds at different pitches, usually wearing headphones or insert earphones. You indicate whenever you hear a tone, even if it is faint. Bone-conduction testing may also be used to help distinguish conductive from sensorineural components of a hearing loss.
This testing is generally straightforward and should not be painful. The results are plotted on an audiogram, which we explain in plain language.
Step 4: Speech and middle-ear tests, if appropriate
Pure-tone thresholds do not tell us everything about how you hear conversations. Speech audiometry may help assess word recognition and clarify why listening can remain difficult even when a sound is audible.
Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, tympanometry, acoustic reflex measurements or otoacoustic-emission testing may also be useful. The clinician will explain which tests are suitable and why; not everyone needs every test.
Step 5: Understanding your results
Your audiologist will discuss whether hearing is within expected limits, whether there is a measurable loss, and what the findings mean for everyday listening. You should feel able to ask for explanations, including what your audiogram shows and whether any referral is advisable.
If hearing aids might help, there should be time to discuss their likely benefits and limitations, your preferences, aftercare and costs. You do not have to make a purchasing decision on the day. Our independent hearing aids guide explains what a fitting and ongoing support can involve.
What if the test shows no hearing loss?
Normal test thresholds are still useful information. If you continue to struggle with speech clarity or a blocked feeling, we can explain what additional tests or medical advice might be appropriate. A normal audiogram does not dismiss the difficulties you describe.
How much does a hearing assessment cost?
At Wigan Hearing, our comprehensive hearing assessment costs £50. If you subsequently purchase hearing aids from us, the assessment fee is credited towards the purchase. Our independent Standish clinic has free parking behind the building.
How do I arrange a hearing test?
Call 01257 444044 or use our contact page to arrange a suitable hearing assessment. Hearing-test appointments are organised by our team; the online prepaid ear wax booking offer is a separate service.
For more detail about the tests themselves, visit our main hearing-test page. Our goal is to provide a clear clinical explanation and practical next steps that fit your circumstances.