What Happens During a Hearing Test? A UK Guide for Adults
If you have noticed a change in your hearing, arranging a test can help you find out what might be happening. A hearing test is carried out by a hearing specialist, such as an audiologist. It can include one or more different checks, depending on your needs.
How can I arrange a hearing test?
You can speak to your GP about an NHS hearing test. In England, a GP can refer you to an audiologist. Some pharmacies and opticians also offer hearing tests for adults, although any follow-up treatment may have a cost. The route and services available can vary depending on where you live.
Online hearing checks can be a useful first step, but they are not the same as an in-person assessment. The NHS says an online test may help you decide whether to arrange a face-to-face hearing test.
What happens at the appointment?
Your appointment may include different tests. A common one is pure tone audiometry: you listen to sounds through headphones and indicate when you hear them. You may also have a speech test, where you listen to words, or tympanometry, which checks how your eardrum moves.
You may not need every type of test. The NHS says an adult hearing test can take around 15 minutes to an hour, depending on which checks are needed. You will usually get your results at the end of the appointment, and the specialist can explain whether any further tests or support may be appropriate.
How can I prepare?
Before your appointment, it may help to note down the situations where hearing feels difficult. For example, you might find it harder to follow conversations in a busy room, hear people on the phone or listen to the television at a comfortable volume.
You could also write down any questions you want to ask. You do not need to work out the cause yourself; the purpose of the assessment is to help understand what is happening.
When should I seek advice quickly?
Contact your GP if you think your hearing is gradually getting worse. Seek urgent GP advice or contact NHS 111 if you have sudden hearing loss, your hearing has worsened over a few days or weeks, or hearing loss comes with symptoms such as earache or discharge.
A hearing test is a sensible first step when you have concerns. Getting professional advice can help you understand your options and decide what to do next.
