Find a Hearing Test Specialist
A hearing test is the first step to understanding your hearing health. We connect you with qualified audiologists in Gloucester who provide comprehensive assessments that give you a complete picture of your hearing ability.
Whether you've noticed changes in your hearing, struggle in certain situations, or simply want to check your hearing health, the specialists we work with will provide the thorough assessment you need.
What's Included in a Hearing Test?
A comprehensive hearing assessment typically includes:
Case History Discussion
The audiologist starts by discussing your hearing concerns, medical history, lifestyle, and any situations where you find hearing difficult. This helps them understand your individual needs and tailor the testing accordingly.
Otoscopy (Ear Examination)
Using a specialised instrument, the specialist examines your ear canals and eardrums to check for any blockages, wax buildup, or abnormalities that might affect your hearing.
Pure Tone Audiometry
This is the core hearing test where you listen to sounds at different pitches and volumes through headphones. You indicate when you hear each sound, allowing us to map your hearing threshold across the frequency range.
Speech Audiometry
This tests how well you understand speech at different volume levels, giving important information about how hearing loss affects your daily communication.
Results Discussion
After testing, the audiologist explains your results clearly using an audiogram - a visual representation of your hearing. They discuss what the results mean and recommend appropriate next steps.
Who Should Have a Hearing Test?
You should consider a hearing test if you:
- Find yourself asking people to repeat themselves frequently
- Struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments
- Turn up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
- Have difficulty hearing on the phone
- Feel that people mumble or don't speak clearly
- Experience ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Work or have worked in noisy environments
- Are over 60 and haven't had a recent hearing check
- Have a family history of hearing loss
Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to miss. Common signs include:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in background noise
- Frequently misunderstanding what people say
- Feeling that others are mumbling
- Needing to see someone's face to understand them
- Avoiding social situations because hearing is difficult
- Feeling tired after conversations due to concentration required
- Family members commenting on your hearing
The Benefits of Early Testing
Research shows that addressing hearing loss early has significant benefits:
- Better outcomes - The brain adapts more easily when hearing loss is addressed early
- Maintained connections - Stay engaged with family, friends, and activities
- Cognitive health - Studies link untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline
- Quality of life - Better hearing means better participation in life
- Safety - Hear important sounds like alarms, traffic, and warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a hearing test take?
A comprehensive hearing test typically takes 45-60 minutes. This includes consultation, testing, and time to discuss results and recommendations.
Is a hearing test painful?
No, hearing tests are completely painless and non-invasive. You simply listen to sounds through headphones and respond when you hear them.
How often should I have my hearing tested?
Adults should have their hearing tested every 3-5 years, or more frequently if you're over 60, work in noisy environments, or notice any changes in your hearing.
What happens if my test shows hearing loss?
If hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will explain the results clearly and discuss your options. This might include hearing aids, medical referral, or monitoring with regular follow-up tests.