Hearing Tests
You can be assured of a professional care in all diagnostic procedures. Hearing assessments are undertaken in a sound-free environment and tailored to meet individual requirements.
The testing procedure includes:-
- Video otoscopy (fibre optic camera)
- Puretone and speech audiometry
- Tympanometry (middle ear function)
- Hearing instrument stimulation
Our comprehensive hearing test will take between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes a personalised detailed report explaining the hearing test results, the nature of the hearing loss and the hearing aid technology choices available.
It is recommended that you bring a friend or relative with you as it often helps to be able to discuss the results with someone afterwards.
The cost of a diagnostic hearing test is £90
What will happen at my appointment?
Medical History and Ear Examination
You will have been sent a consultation form to complete. This will ask questions regarding relevant past medical history such as: past ear infections, viruses, noise exposure. Once we have discussed your hearing background we will conduct an ear examination using a video otoscope. The ear examination will look for any signs of infection, wax build up and generally check that the external auditory canal and eardrum are functioning correctly.
A video otoscope: this uses fibre optic illumination and a high resolution colour video camera to record the ear canal and ear drum. By projecting the image on a monitor you will be able to view the status of the ear canal and ear drum. Images of the ear are stored and can be viewed or printed as needed. If at this point we find that the reason for your hearing loss is due to a build up of wax, we can stop the hearing test and instead progress with wax removal treatment.
Hearing Test
Once we have concluded your ear exam we will begin the hearing test.
There are five tests performed;
- Puretone audiometry
This determines the softest sounds you can hear.
You will be seated in a personal sound enclosure which prevents you from hearing any outside noise. You will wear either headphones or ear-tips through which tones at varying volumes and frequencies will be presented. You will be asked to push a button each time you hear a tone and for the duration of that tone.
- Uncomfortable loudness level
This test will determine the dynamic range of hearing. A series of tones will be presented at increasing volume and you will be asked to push on the button when it becomes uncomfortably loud for you.
- Bone Conduction
A bone conduction band is placed on the mastoid bone behind the ear which vibrates the sound through the cochlea (hearing nerve). Again you will be asked to press on the button each time you hear a tone and for the duration of that tone. This test does not include the mechanical function of the hearing and will determine the nature of the hearing loss.
- Speech audiometry
You will hear a series of words and asked to repeat what you have heard. Your answers will be scored and will help to establish the level of speech discrimination.
- Tympanometry
This tests middle ear function and the elasticity of the ear drums. A small probe is inserted into the entrance of the ear which presents increasing and decreasing air pressure. The instrument will then record your measurements and show your results on a tympanogram.
What Happens after my Hearing Test?
Once we have finished the hearing test we will explain and show your results. The next step will be to discuss the options that will/would be appropriate for your needs.
After your appointment we will follow up with a detailed written report, this will include:
- Hearing history and background
- Type of hearing loss
- Detailed results of hearing test
- Hearing aid technology suited to your needs
- An approximation of hearing aid costs
- Copy of audiogram
- Related hearing brochures
If you decide to proceed with a hearing system we offer a free 60 day evaluation period which is inclusive of wax removal, service appointments and follow up evaluation. During this time we will endeavour to ensure you are hearing clearly in all situations which may be difficult.
We operate a return privilege agreement if required.