Ready for a professional hearing test? Book a free, comprehensive hearing check at Specsavers. We make it easy to keep track of your hearing health with expert audiologists who test your hearing for free and suggest the best solution for you – and you can trust us to recommend only what you need.
Who qualifies for a free comprehensive hearing test?
Hearing tests at Specsavers are free of charge for everyone. If you feel your hearing has changed or you need a check-up, book a hearing test appointment with one of our hearing experts at your local store. We can then discuss your options if you have hearing concerns, and, of course, there’s no obligation for you to buy a hearing aid.
How to book your free hearing test
Can’t make it in-store?
Take the first step with our quick and easy Online Hearing Test from the comfort of your home. It's a great starting point to understand your hearing health before booking a comprehensive in-store appointment.
Should I have a hearing test?
It’s worth having your hearing checked if you notice a change in your hearing, no matter your age. More often than not, changes to your hearing happen gradually, so it’s not always easy to notice if you’re not hearing as well as you used to. However, there are a few signs you can look out for that indicate you might need a hearing test.
Signs you might need a hearing test:
- You find it difficult to listen to conversations or the TV when there’s background noise
- Speaking and hearing people on the phone is difficult, even in a quiet room
- You have to ask others to repeat themselves often, or it sounds like they’re mumbling
- You might find it hard to keep up with conversation when in group situations
- You might feel stressed or tired from having to concentrate while listening
- Family members will mention that the TV is too loud, or that you’re shouting
- Loved ones might hint that you’re finding it difficult to hear too
If you’ve experienced sudden hearing loss or hearing loss which impacts one ear more significantly, we recommend seeking medical advice immediately.
What happens in your comprehensive in-store hearing test?
A free hearing test at Specsavers allows you to find out how well you’re hearing and assesses the health of your ears. During a hearing test, your audiologist will:
- Check the overall health of your ears
- Perform a hearing check
- Advise on aftercare and next steps, depending on the outcome of the hearing check.
Checking the overall health of your ears
Your in-store hearing check begins with a detailed health examination. After a few introductory questions, your Specsavers audiologist will use a small camera to examine the health of your ear canals and eardrums. This ensures that sound has a clear pathway. Unlike online hearing checks, this vital physical examination is the foundation of a correct diagnosis.
Performing the hearing test
When performing the hearing test, your audiologist will perform precise diagnostic tests by playing sounds at different pitches through headphones and a special headband (through vibrations). This comprehensive ear check-up allows us to measure the quietest sounds you can hear, providing an accuracy that an online screen cannot match.
Advice from the audiologist
They will then discuss the results of the test with you and explain any next steps based on their findings. Everything that takes place during the appointment will be recorded to help us track any changes that take place over time.
How long does a hearing test take?
For most people, a first hearing test appointment takes around an hour. This comprehensive session is designed to give you a clear, medically accurate picture of your ear health without ever feeling rushed. During this hour, your audiologist will take the time to understand your hearing experiences, physically examine your ears, and conduct precise diagnostic tests.
At Specsavers, hearing tests are completely free with no obligation to purchase a hearing aid.
Why you shouldn't be embarrassed to book a
hearing test
We understand that booking a hearing test can be difficult for some people who feel that it’s a sign they’re ageing, or they may be embarrassed by the prospect of wearing a hearing aid. We’re here to support your health and well-being in the best way possible by getting to know your day-to-day challenges and how we can help to get the best possible outcome out of the test results. But it's worth remembering that the earlier you intervene, the better your chances are of managing and improving your hearing successfully.
At Specsavers, some of the hearing aids we fit can connect and be controlled by your phone, or even link to your appliances at home. The variation in devices we now offer can support people in many different situations – and can be tailored depending on your lifestyle. There is nothing scary about a hearing test, and the improvement to your quality of life can be significant if you access the service.
Advice for younger people regarding their ear health
A concern for audiologists is the dependency we have on headphones and earbuds, and the volume and length of time that we use them. We not only listen to music with them, but we also use them for phone calls, podcasts, gaming and more. The high volume and sound pressure in the ear – especially if it’s above an 80-decibel level – shortens the safe time you can wear them before you cause long-term hearing damage. We recommend keeping the volume of your headphones or earbuds below 80 dB and limiting their use as much as possible.
What if I need hearing aids?
If your test results indicate you’d benefit from a hearing aid, the audiologist will talk you through all the options that might be suitable for you. They may also take a mould of your ear canal so that your new aid fits properly. This can take up to five minutes and is completely painless.
In some cases, your hearing aids can be fitted on the same day as your hearing test appointment. They’ll be programmed to your needs, and we’ll make sure you know how to use them before you leave the store. We’ll also organise a follow-up appointment after four weeks to check that everything is well and adjust the hearing aids if necessary. This may be via our RemoteCare service or with the fine-tuning app. Your audiologist will explain all the details during your initial appointment.
Browse our range of hearing aids
Free hearing services with NHS hearing aids
We are accredited by the NHS to provide hearing services in over half of England. If you qualify for free NHS-funded hearing aids, you can get a hearing test, two digital hearing aids and full aftercare, free at Specsavers.
Book your free hearing test
Understanding hearing loss
Try our online hearing test
Download a hearing care information pack
Terms and conditions
A hearing check by one of our qualified hearing professionals is free. No obligation to buy a hearing aid. A hearing assessment may be chargeable. Ask in-store for details.