If you are worried about your hearing or have experienced hearing issues, you can have a hearing test through the NHS. While some types of hearing loss are due to aging or medical conditions, others can be prevented. Hearing loss can happen gradually, making it difficult to notice at first. If you often struggle to hear conversations or feel like sounds are muffled, a hearing test might help you understand what is going on.
How to arrange a hearing test on the NHS
The first step is to visit your GP, who will ask about your symptoms and check for any common issues such as earwax buildup or infections. If necessary, they will refer you to an audiologist – a hearing specialist – or the ear, nose, and throat department at a hospital. Some NHS hearing tests are available at high street opticians and pharmacies.
If you have been looking for an audiologist Taunton, a company such as https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/taunton provides a variety of services for your hearing needs.
Waiting times for an NHS hearing test can vary depending on where you live. If you want a faster assessment, you can choose to pay for a private hearing test, which is available at many hearing clinics and some pharmacies.
What happens during the test?
A hearing test is painless and usually takes less than an hour. The audiologist will check your ears and ask about your hearing difficulties. You will then take a pure-tone audiometry test for which you wear headphones and listen to sounds at different volumes and pitches. You press a button each time you hear a sound. The results will show whether you have any hearing loss and how severe the damage is.
What happens after the test?
If the test shows hearing loss, the specialist will discuss the available treatments with you. In many cases, the NHS provides free hearing aids if necessary, which can dramatically improve your ability to hear speech and other everyday sounds. Other treatments, such as cochlear implants or devices, may be recommended for more severe cases.