Patients sometimes ask why Wigan Hearing charges for a hearing test when other providers advertise free appointments. It is a fair question, and we are always happy to explain what you are paying for.
At our independent clinic in Standish, a comprehensive hearing assessment costs £50. That fee covers professional clinical time, appropriate testing, interpretation of the results and an opportunity to discuss your hearing without any obligation to buy hearing aids. If you go on to purchase hearing aids from Wigan Hearing, we credit the £50 assessment fee towards your purchase.
What is the difference between a hearing screen and a hearing assessment?
A brief hearing screen can be useful for identifying whether you may have a hearing difficulty. Some clinics offer these checks free of charge, and there is nothing inherently wrong with that approach. A full hearing assessment goes further: we take a relevant history, examine the ears, measure hearing and interpret the findings in the context of the difficulties you have described.
Our aim is not simply to establish whether you might benefit from a hearing aid. We want to understand what is happening with your hearing, whether further investigation is needed and what options are appropriate for you.
What happens during an assessment?
We begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history and the situations where you find listening difficult. That conversation guides the tests we carry out. Not every patient needs every test listed below: the assessment is tailored to the clinical findings.
Video otoscopy
We can show you a magnified image of your ear canals and eardrums. This helps identify visible wax or other findings that may affect the assessment. Learn about video otoscopy.
Pure-tone and bone-conduction audiometry
In our sound-treated booth, we measure the quietest sounds you can hear across a range of frequencies. Bone-conduction results help us distinguish different patterns of hearing loss. The results are plotted on an audiogram, which we explain to you in everyday language.
Speech audiometry
Hearing a tone is not the same as understanding words. Speech tests, where appropriate, provide extra information about speech recognition and help us relate your results to the difficulties you may experience in conversation. Read about speech audiometry.
Tympanometry and acoustic reflexes
These measurements provide information about middle-ear movement and aspects of the auditory reflex pathway. They can be helpful when someone describes a blocked sensation or when the initial results need further investigation. They are not required for every assessment. When we carry out tympanometry, we can email you the tympanogram to keep as a digital record of your results. See tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing.
DPOAE testing
Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are faint responses generated within the inner ear. When indicated, this test gives us additional information about cochlear outer hair cell function. DPOAEs are not a replacement for an audiogram. Find out how DPOAE testing works.
Why do we charge?
We charge for the professional assessment itself: the clinician’s time, the appropriate use of specialist equipment, careful interpretation and clear advice on the findings. We do not need to make the appointment conditional on a hearing-aid sale.
We are independently run and can discuss hearing aids from different manufacturers if amplification is appropriate. But hearing aids are only one possible outcome. We may recommend monitoring, communication strategies, a further assessment or medical advice instead.
Is the £50 assessment the same as a hearing-aid fitting?
No. The hearing assessment helps us understand your hearing and discuss your options. If you later choose hearing aids, the fitting is a separate stage. That is when we may use real-ear measurements (REMs) to verify how the devices perform in your ears. Likewise, 3D ear scanning is a separate specialist capability, not an automatic part of every £50 hearing test.
Will I be pressured to buy hearing aids?
No. We explain the results, answer your questions and discuss suitable next steps. There is no obligation to purchase hearing aids, and we will not recommend them simply because you have paid for an assessment.
How do I arrange a hearing assessment?
We ask patients to contact Wigan Hearing before arranging a hearing test. This lets us understand the reason for your visit and make sure the appointment is suitable. Call 01257 444044, or read more about hearing assessments at our Standish clinic.
Important: sudden hearing loss needs urgent medical assessment and should not wait for a routine private hearing test.