Hearing Test
At PinnaClear Ear Care, we understand the significance of maintaining good hearing health, and that’s why we offer comprehensive hearing tests that are tailored to your unique needs. Our state-of-the-art facility and experienced audiologists ensure that you receive accurate and personalised assessments, enabling us to provide the best possible care and solutions.
Did you know that not all hearing aid providers are equal? At PinnaClear all services are provided by a senior audiologist.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
These are common signs that people with hearing loss report. Can you identify with any of them?
- You have to turn the TV up louder than family or friends
- You feel as though speech is unclear
- You no longer hear birdsong
- You struggle with telephone calls
- You often miss the doorbell ringing
Why should you get a hearing test?
Early Detection: Hearing tests can identify issues early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing further deterioration of your hearing.
Improved Communication: Clear communication is vital in both personal and professional relationships. Addressing hearing loss ensures you can actively engage in conversations without feeling isolated.
Cognitive Health: Research has shown a strong link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. By addressing hearing issues, you can potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and related conditions.
Safety: Hearing plays a crucial role in situational awareness. Being able to hear sounds like sirens, alarms, and approaching vehicles contributes to your safety.
Enhanced Enjoyment: Whether it’s enjoying music, movies, or the sounds of nature, good hearing enhances your overall enjoyment of life’s experiences.
Schedule your audiology clinic appointment now
We offer same day and late appointments, if you can't come to us, it may be possible for us to come to you.
Why to expect during a hearing test
A hearing assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing health conducted by a qualified audiologist. This assessment helps determine the extent of your hearing abilities, identify any potential hearing issues, and recommend appropriate solutions. It may be beneficial if you bring along someone close to you for your hearing test as they can share the experience and also learn about your difficulties.
Personal History Discussion:
At the beginning of the assessment, the audiologist will ask you about your medical history, any past exposure to loud noises, medications you’re taking, and any specific concerns you might have about your hearing. This will also include questions about your lifestyle and how your hearing loss might be affecting your quality of life. In some cases, you may need to be referred back to your GP or ENT for further investigation. Audiologists with NHS experience have the added advantage over hearing aid dispensers as they have experience of working closely with ENT in hospitals. This is a crucial step as it allows the audiologist to build a picture of your ear health and make recommendations using this information.
Otoscopic Examination:
The audiologist will examine your outer ear (pinna) and, ear canal (meatus) and eardrum (tympanic membrane) using a specialised instrument called an otoscope. This helps ensure there are no obstructions or visible issues that might affect your hearing. It may also be possible for you to view the ear using a video otoscope. If there are any issues such as infection or earwax build up, this will need to be treated first.
Pure-Tone Audiometry:
This is one of the fundamental tests in a hearing assessment. You’ll be placed in a soundproof booth and given headphones. The audiologist will play a series of tones at different frequencies and volumes, and you’ll be asked to indicate when you hear them. This helps determine the softest sounds you can hear across a range of frequencies. Bone conduction testing will also be conducted. This involves placing a small vibrating device behind your ear to send sound directly to your inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This test helps determine if hearing loss is due to issues in the outer or middle ear.
Speech Testing:
Some patients may benefit from speech testing. You’ll listen to and repeat a series of words at different volume levels. This assesses your ability to understand speech in noisy environments.
Results and Recommendations:
Once the assessment is complete, the audiologist will discuss the results with you. If hearing loss is detected, we will explain the type and degree of hearing loss you have. We will also provide recommendations for appropriate interventions, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or other solutions based on your needs.
Questions and Discussion:
Feel free to ask any questions you might have about the results, recommended interventions, or any concerns you might still have about your hearing health. At PinnaClear we want to assist you in reaching a solution that is right for you.
Remember that a hearing assessment is painless and non-invasive. It’s designed to provide you with valuable information about your hearing abilities and guide you toward the best course of action for maintaining or improving your hearing health. If you’re concerned about your hearing or have noticed changes in your ability to hear, scheduling a hearing assessment is a proactive step toward addressing those concerns.