Your hearing
Do you need a hearing test?
When you are suffering from hearing loss, the first sounds that are ‘lost’ and are harder to hear are sh, th and f. That is why people with hearing difficulties say they can hear speech but can’t understand what is being said and it often appears as though everyone is mumbling.
How hearing loss occurs
Hearing loss generally occurs as a a by product of problems in one area of the mechanism of hearing. Where the problem occurs is important, because an understanding of where the problem is allows us to make the best recommendations possible. Let’s take a look at the mechanism of hearing and what the problems may be.
The outer ear
Typical problems include excessive accumulation of earwax and infections of the auditory canal such as Otitis Media, and other problems like swimmers ear.
The middle ear
Perforation of the eardrum, infection or fluid in the middle ear and otosclerosis (a calcification around the stapes limiting its ability to move) are the most common causes. Many outer and middle ear problems can be treated successfully with medication or surgery. In cases where treatment is not effective, remaining hearing loss can usually be helped by using hearing instruments.
The inner ear
The majority of hearing problems result from damaged inner ear structures. Typical causes are the natural aging process, excessive exposure to noise, medication that is toxic to the auditory system and head injuries. As a rule, this damage cannot be reversed but can be largely overcome with hearing instruments.
What to expect following a hearing test
Depending on your results of your consultation, we offer hearing aid fittings and servicing, working with some of the best hearing aid manufactures. We also offer Tinnitus treatment and various aftercare services.
We have centres across the South West, South and Midlands. Get in touch with our team to book your hearing test.
Early signs of hearing loss
The problem is further exasperated when there is background noise, even just a kettle or especially when in a noisy restaurant or café. As we get older, regular hearing tests should be apart of our health care routine. Hearing loss can come on so gradually that we sometimes fail to notice the signs.
Only a professional can determine the exact nature and extent of hearing loss, however, you can probably tell if hearing has become a problem in your life. Consider the following statements carefully, as most hearing losses happen gradually, and the symptoms are not always easy to recognise.
Others tend to “mumble”
The TV volume has to be set higher than others generally like it
Difficulty hearing in noisy places
People have to repeat themselves
Problems understanding people who do not look directly at me when speaking
Trouble following conversations in groups
Trouble hearing the doorbell or telephone
Difficulty in identifying where sounds are coming from
See what our customers have to say!
Book a
hearing test
Up to 1 hour of absolute attention by one of the country’s leading Audiologists. A completely painless, full hearing assessment will be completed and your results are shown and explained to you in full.
Find your nearest clinic
If you think you are having problems with your hearing, but you’re not sure if you need a hearing aid, you’ve come to the right place! We offer a no obligation hearing test.
Book for Ear Wax Removal
We will assess each ear and explain to you the options for the most effective ear wax removal process, if wax has been identified.