Getting Tested

A free hearing test and any follow-up treatment is available through the NHS — a GP can refer you to an audiologist for assessment. Many large pharmacies and opticians also offer hearing tests, often for free, though you may need to pay for a private hearing test route to see someone sooner. If you go down this route, you'd usually still need to pay separately for any treatment recommended, such as a hearing aid, unless arranged through the NHS.

A simple online hearing check is also available for adults, which can help you work out whether a full, in-person hearing test would be worthwhile.

During Your Appointment

The audiologist will usually start by asking about your medical history and the specific difficulties you've been having, and will examine your ears to check for wax build-up or signs of infection before continuing with formal testing.

A common test, called pure tone audiometry, is carried out in a soundproof room using headphones — you'll be played a series of tones at different pitches and volumes, and asked to press a button whenever you hear one, helping build up a picture of the quietest sounds you can hear across a range of frequencies. Other tests may include a speech perception test, where you listen to and repeat words rather than tones, or tympanometry, which uses a small device placed in the ear to check how well the eardrum is moving and whether there's any fluid or blockage behind it.

None of these tests should cause any discomfort, though some parts might feel a little unfamiliar. Once complete, the audiologist will go through your results with you and explain what they mean, including whether any further steps, such as a hearing aid, might help.