What is a hearing assessment?
During the hearing assessment a number of tests and examinations are carried out that will work out the levels you can hear, and the condition of your ears.
This is usually carried out by an Audiologist and usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
What will happen at the hearing assessment?
- You will be taken into a sound proofed room
- We will ask you about your hearing problems and how well you feel you hear
- We may ask some questions about your medical history
- The audiologist will examine the condition of your ears by looking into your ear canals with a small light
- You will be asked to wear some headphones to listen and respond to sounds played through them
- You may have a test to measure how well your ear drum moves, this is a quick test that uses a small amount of pressure placed into the ear canal
- We will discuss the results and options available and how you would like to manage your hearing loss
- We will issue you an individual management plan which will include information from the assessment and a copy of your hearing test and future care plan
- We will send the results to your GP
What will happen after the hearing assessment?
There can be a number of outcomes from the hearing assessment, based on the results and information you have given us:
No hearing loss is found
If you do not have a hearing loss you will be discharged from the audiology service.
Hearing loss suitable for hearing aids
If you have hearing loss that is suitable for hearing aids, a hearing aid fitting will be arranged. We will offer a choice of colours. The style will depend on your hearing loss.
Hearing loss that is not suitable for hearing aids
If you have a hearing loss that is not suitable for hearing aids you may need a referral to another professional or service such as an ear, nose and throat specialist.