Your hearing test is an opportunity for an audiologist to examine your ears and assess your hearing. The first visit usually takes about an hour, and could be all you need to help with your hearing loss.
We’ll check your hearing to discover what’s going on, and we’ll then have a chat through the results and next steps, recommending only what you need.
We’ll also keep in touch with you every 18 months to two years for a follow-up hearing test to make sure everything’s all right. We’re here when you need us, so if you feel your hearing has changed, pop into your nearest store.
How long does a hearing test take?
Your first hearing test appointment usually takes around an hour, and we hope that you'll learn a lot about your ears. If you would like to bring along a friend or family member, that’s fine with us; it can actually be very helpful.
What to expect in a hearing test
Everybody’s hearing is different. That’s why we use a range of techniques and the latest technology to tailor your hearing care to your individual needs.
Here’s what happens at a hearing test:
Step one:
After asking questions about your ear health and changes you have noticed in your hearing, our hearing expert will check your ears using a tiny camera. They they will examine the health of your ear canals and ear drums, ensuring that sound has a clear pathway through the structures of the middle and inner ears – they’ll even show you on screen what they’re seeing.
This will be recorded to help keep track of any changes in your ear over time.
Step two:
Then, by playing sounds at different pitches through a pair of headphones and asking you to press a button every time you hear a sound.
They will then ask you to wear a special headband that will test how well you hear sounds through vibrations.
Step three:
If a hearing device would be beneficial, your hearing expert will talk you through all the options that might be suitable for you.
They may also take a mould of your ear canal to ensure your new device fits properly. This takes five minutes and is completely painless.
Step four:
Real Ear Measurement is used to account for the individual way sound travels through your ear canals.
A special microphone analyses the sounds produced by the hearing devices in your ear canal to ensure you’re getting the best level of sound.
Step five:
In some cases, your hearing aids or devices can be fitted on the same day as your test.
They’ll be programmed to your needs, and we’ll make sure you know how to use them before you leave the store.
Step six:
We’ll also organise a follow-up appointment after four weeks to check that everything is well and fine-tune the programming if necessary.
This may be via our RemoteCare service or with the finetuning app. Your hearing expert will explain all the details during your initial appointment.
Find out more about our aftercare package.
Find out about a free hearing test
If you’re over 50, it’s important to have your hearing checked regularly. We recommend you have one every year if you’re over 40, or every two years if you’re under 40.
We can give you a comprehensive hearing check for free, and we will discuss your options with you if you have hearing loss. And there’s no obligation for you to buy a hearing aid.*
Does anything change in an NHS hearing test?
Our hearing centres are accredited by the NHS to provide hearing services in over half of England.
So if you qualify for free NHS-funded hearing aids or devices, you can get a hearing check, two digital hearing devices and full aftercare, free from Specsavers.
Use the button below to find out more and check your eligibility.
Terms and conditions
*A comprehensive hearing check by one of our qualified hearing professionals, free. No obligation to buy a hearing device.