Our independent audiology clinic in Standish uses a range of clinical tests and equipment to investigate different aspects of hearing and ear health. Not every appointment requires every test. We select measurements according to your symptoms, medical history and what we find during the examination.
Video otoscopy: looking inside the ear
Video otoscopy uses a small camera to show the ear canal and eardrum on a screen. It can help us identify visible wax or changes that need a closer look, and allows patients to see what we are examining. The camera does not measure hearing or diagnose every ear condition. Find out how video otoscopy works.
Tympanometry: middle-ear function
Tympanometry examines how the eardrum and middle ear respond to gentle changes in pressure. It gives us a snapshot of middle-ear pressure and eardrum movement, which we interpret alongside the ear examination and hearing tests. We can email you a copy of your tympanogram so you have a digital record of these measurements to keep or share with another healthcare professional if useful. Read our guide to tympanometry.
Acoustic reflexes (ARs)
Acoustic reflex testing measures very small middle-ear changes in response to sound. It may add information about the middle ear and part of the auditory reflex pathway. Some of the short test tones can be loud, so we consider individual sound tolerance and whether the test is appropriate. What happens during acoustic reflex testing?
DPOAEs: assessing inner-ear responses
Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are faint sounds generated by activity within the cochlea. A probe microphone records these responses, giving us information about the function of the outer hair cells in the inner ear. DPOAE testing does not measure hearing thresholds and is not a substitute for an audiogram. What a DPOAE test can tell us.
Speech audiometry: understanding words
A pure-tone audiogram shows hearing sensitivity, but it does not always explain how well someone understands speech. Speech audiometry gives us extra information about word recognition and listening difficulties under specific test conditions. Learn about speech audiometry.
Real-ear measurements (REMs): checking hearing-aid fittings
When fitting hearing aids, a fine measuring tube near the eardrum helps us check the actual sound output in the ear and compare it with prescribed targets. This can help us make more individualised adjustments. Why we use real-ear measurements.
3D ear scanning and custom ear products
Our Otoscan equipment can record the shape of the ear canal and outer ear digitally. Some manufacturers accept these scans for compatible custom products; others still require traditional impressions. The best method depends on the ear and the intended product. Read about 3D scanning, scans versus impressions and custom hearing protection.
Which test should I arrange?
You do not need to work that out yourself. Tell us what you have noticed and we can discuss which appointment and assessments are appropriate. We do not offer direct online booking for hearing assessments because we want to understand the reason for your visit first. Contact Wigan Hearing or call 01257 444044.
If you need routine ear wax removal instead, see our separate ear wax service and online booking page. Sudden hearing loss or other urgent symptoms require prompt medical assessment rather than a routine clinic appointment.