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Hearing Tests at Home in the UK - Get your hearing tested at home at a convenient time for you for free

Free Hearing Tests at Home in the UK

Can you have hearing tests at home, hearing tests that are accessible to everyone.

At-home hearing tests offer comfort, privacy, and flexibility, allowing you to assess your hearing on your own schedule without the need for travel or appointments. They are often cost-effective and provide instant results, making them accessible for those with mobility issues or living in remote areas. This approach simplifies monitoring your hearing health.

On this page, we will be answering questions such as 'What should I expect from a hearing test at home?', 'Are hearing tests accurate?', 'What is an audiogram?' or maybe you might be questioning the current online hearing tests and if they give you an accurate result.

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Can I get a hearing test done at home?

Yes!  Wherever you live in the UK, we will have around 2-3 audiologists local to you who can come and visit you at home.  They will be able to carry out a thorough professional hearing healthcare check and test, using the latest equipment, and all in the comfort of your own home.  

Not everyone offers audiology home visits

However, you'd be surprised to know that not all hearing healthcare providers can offer at-home hearing tests, even though there are many benefits to hearing tests and other hearing healthcare services at home.  

Whatever you are unsure about, contact us and we can help you understand how our home hearing tests work, whether it is a service you might benefit from, and all you need to know about home visits for hearing tests. 

 Does Hearing Aid UK offer hearing tests near me?

Yes, we can check your hearing at home and have always been dedicated to improving this shortfall with our free at-home hearing tests or hearing tests at one of our clinics near you.  

Your family or friends can also be with you for support and to ease the burden of decision-making and understanding important information.

Our home hearing tests are a free and convenient way to receive excellent customer hearing healthcare at a time that suits you and your lifestyle - and from a company that you can trust. 

All our audiologists will offer support, advice, and hearing solutions that are as unique as your hearing loss and plan your future care. 

Our main purpose is to help you hear better and gain from a greater quality of life.

We use the very latest equipment for your hearing test at home

Hearing Aid UK can provide you with a home hearing test that is not only professional and thorough but carried out using computerised equipment comprising of the latest technology. 

This way you always gain from an accurate audiogram , which will result in the most beneficial hearing aids for you and your lifestyle.   

 Quick links:

  ►Click here to go to our free hearing tests at home

►Click here to go to what to expect from a hearing test at home

►Click here to go to hearing tests at home for the elderly

►Click here to go to who does hearing aid tests at home in the UK?

Free Hearing Test in Care Homes

Home hearing tests for the elderly, hearing tests in home care.

What is the process of a hearing test at home for elderly friends and family?  We offer hearing tests at home for the elderly in the UK.  We can visit you or a loved one even in a care home and our hearing tests for the elderly at home are generally carried out the same way as any other. 

The only difference is that you might want a member of your family or a friend to be there for support or to help relay personal information, take in audiology information, or make future decisions. 

If you do live in assisted living accommodation and you want to book a hearing test - you will need to let the management of the facility be aware of the visit.  Other than that it is the same process as any other home hearing test.

Information about Age UK hearing tests at home

In the past, Age UK referred their customers for their hearing healthcare to Claritas for services such as hearing tests, hearing aids, and hearing healthcare going forward.  Then Claritas went into administration in 2018 and now Amplifon has taken over this role, as well as the administrator. 

However, from experience, some customers have been unsuccessful with their transition to Amplifon for various reasons.  If this is the case for you, we can take care of you and your healthcare in the future.

Reasons why people prefer a free hearing aid tests at home

• Your hearing aids will be tuned in the most realistic environment possible
• You’ll get help connecting to your wireless devices
• You can strike up a personal relationship with the audiologist
• It’s much more convenient
• Home visits tend to be better for older adults
• You pay the same price for a more bespoke service
• Better for those who are unable to attend a clinic for health or logistic issues

Common Queries About Free Home Hearing Tests in the UK

Private hearing tests at home, are they any good, are at-home hearing tests accurate.

Wondering how accurate a hearing loss test at home is?  Quite a lot of people we speak to think that home hearing tests or audiograms are not as accurate as the ones operated in clinics.  In short, this is not true. 

In fact, it is the most realistic place to record your hearing ability, as it's in your own environment with the sounds you hear and acknowledge every day.  It is also the best atmosphere to program your hearing aids in, as this is naturally the place where you will spend most of your time.

Our audiologists take all the professional equipment they use in their own practices and clinics.  The equipment they use is both professional and accurate, which ultimately results in you receiving the right hearing loss diagnosis and hearing solution for your wants and needs.

Are online hearing tests accurate?

Wondering what a hearing test at home online is like? Is it an accurate reflection of your loss?  During the last two years, online hearing tests have become more popular.  They are not accurate or a professional evaluation of your hearing, but they can give you a basic overview of your current hearing state. 

This also means that they are incapable of providing a medical or audiological diagnosis or even the cause of any hearing loss . 

This is what an audiogram or hearing test with your audiologist would read and evaluate precisely.  To put it simply, an audiogram is a graph that shows the results of your hearing limitations and capabilities by completing a series of tests. 

It is still the most accurate way of analysing your hearing capabilities and, if needed, help find the most beneficial hearing solution.

Private Hearing Test at Home

Who does hearing tests at home in the uk.

Which highstreet retailers do hearing tests in your home?  Do Boots do hearing tests at home?  Do Specsavers do hearing tests at home?

Boots hearing tests at home

Do Boots do hearing tests at home?  They can't, due to this company's growth and marketing strategy, along with the industry's growth - Boots Hearingcare can only provide in-store appointments for hearing tests and hearing aid fittings and does not offer home visits.

Specsavers hearing tests at home

Do Specsavers do hearing tests at home?  Yes,  Specsavers Hearcare does provide a hearing test at home, but this will cost you around £100.  We are not sure whether this service stretches to aftercare needs such as hearing aid maintenance and adjustments.

Bloom hearing tests at home

Just like Hidden Hearing, Bloom Hearing Services can see their patients at home for services such as hearing tests for no extra fee.

Amplifon hearing tests at home

Although this company can do a hearing test at your home, they don't offer a nationwide service, so always check with their audiologist before you commit to an appointment.  Amplifon  will charge you around £30 for this home service.

Scrivens hearing tests at home

Due to this company being on a small scale, Scrivens cannot cater to their patients at home currently - however, this might change in the future.

Hidden Hearing tests at home

This is a large company and therefore Hidden Hearing can visit their patients at home at no additional charge.  However, always check with their audiologist before you commit to an appointment.

The benefits of hearing tests at home

Advancements in technology have made it possible for hearing tests to be conducted conveniently at home.  Here are the main advantages of hearing tests at home:

Comfort and convenience

One of the most significant advantages of at-home hearing tests is the comfort and convenience they offer.

Instead of scheduling an appointment and travelling to a clinic, individuals can now monitor their hearing health from the comfort of their own homes.

Privacy and confidentiality

Some people may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about discussing their hearing concerns in a clinical setting.

Hearing tests at home provide a private and confidential environment, allowing individuals to take the test at their own pace, without worrying about judgment or stigma. 

Increased accessibility

Another advantage of at-home hearing tests is the increased accessibility they provide.

This is particularly beneficial for individuals living in remote areas or those with mobility challenges, making it difficult to access healthcare facilities.

By eliminating the need to travel, at-home hearing tests ensure that everyone, regardless of location or physical limitations, can monitor their hearing health conveniently.

Empowerment and self-awareness

Conducting hearing tests at home empowers individuals to take control of their own hearing health.

We have over two hundred audiologists in the UK which means we have 2-3 in your area.  Whether you think your hearing has changed or are concerned about a loved one's hearing, we can visit you at home or in a care home environment.

Hearing Tests at Home With a Local Audiologist

What to expect from a hearing test at home, what happens when you have your hearing checked at home.

There are many benefits to having a hearing test or other hearing healthcare services at home.  In fact, around 90% of our patients prefer to be seen at home.  Some of the reasons are due to poor health, being housebound, having logistical issues, or simply finding it more convenient for them. 

So, what happens at a home hearing test?

Here is a quick breakdown of what our hearing test process includes:

• Your audiologist will go through a few questions regarding your hearing healthcare history.
• There will be a painless examination of the ear canal - looking for any infection or damage.
• You will have a hearing test - where you will push a button when you hear a sound with headphones on.
• You will be told if a hearing loss is detected.
• You will go through your results with your audiologist so you will understand them fully.
• They will go through the cause of your hearing loss.
• Your audiologist will then go through all the solutions available to you.  These solutions will be based on your results, ear shape, lifestyle, and budget.

Getting a bigger picture with your past health history

Before your ear examination, the audiologist will first ask you a series of questions to better understand your current health, family medical history, and any specific worries and problems with your hearing.  The amount of information given is paramount to how they can help you and determine the right hearing solution for you. 

Our professional audiologists will chat with you about any health concerns or issues and generally put your mind at ease.  Remember that everything discussed is completely confidential.

The importance of an ear examination at home

The audiologist will begin examining your inner ear canal and outer ear with an otoscope, which visibly shows the general health of your ear and if anything might be obstructing your hearing - like earwax .  Then your hearing test (or audiogram) will begin.  The audiometer will be used to record various measurements that display your current level of hearing. 

These audiogram recordings will discover whether you have a hearing loss and ultimately diagnose the best hearing solution for your loss, help to address any issues and assist any future audiology plans.  Or you may need to be referred to an ENT specialist or GP for other treatment and examinations.

After your hearing test at home

The audiogram may seem a little overcomplicated at first, but your audiologist will go through every step and explain why each step is necessary - so you will always be in the know and aware of the process as and when it is happening.

If a hearing aid is needed your audiologist will go through all the hearing devices that would be beneficial for your hearing loss, lifestyle, budget, dexterity needs, technical needs, and connectivity required.

They will fit them for you at home and adjust the device in many different ways so you get the most out of them and experience the best sound possible.  All hearing loss is different and they must be tailored to your specific needs.

Looking for a hearing test at home near me? 

We can support you locally.

With nationwide coverage, there is always an audiologist local to you.  Wherever you live we have around 2-3 audiologists in your area who can support your hearing health.

Call us to find out how we can help you to hear better, to book a hearing test at home or in the clinic with us free on  0800 567 7621

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Meet Paul Harrison, Audiology Expert

Audiology expert at Hearing Aid UK, with over 20 years of audiology experience and a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists Council (BSHAA) between 2015 - 2020.

Our specialist service includes:

Do not spend hundreds of pounds without getting a second opinion from us.

Please call us on 0800 567 7621

What's included in our hearing aid prices?

Watch our hearing healthcare services video below.

Other pages about audiology services at home

Common faqs about hearing tests at home in the uk, how much does a hearing test at home cost.

Can I get a free home hearing test?  Our home hearing tests are a free and convenient way to receive excellent customer hearing healthcare at a time that suits you and your lifestyle - from a company that you can trust.

Can I have a hearing test if I live in a nursing home or care home?

Do audiologists visit care homes?  Of course! If you do live in assisted living accommodation and you want to book a hearing test - you will need to let the management of the facility be aware of the visit. Other than that it is the same process as any other home hearing test.

Are at-home hearing tests just as accurate as those in clinics?

In fact, it is the most realistic place to record your hearing ability, as it's in your own environment with the sounds you hear and acknowledge every day. It is also the best atmosphere to program your hearing aids in, as this is naturally the place where you will spend most of your time in.

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Free Hearing Healthcare Home Visits in Your Area

Free and convenient home visits local to you

You might be reading this looking for  hearing aids home visits, an at-home hearing test, or maybe researching the possibility of programming and fitting hearing aids in your own home.  Wherever you are in your hearing loss journey - we are covering your area and can take care of your hearing healthcare going forward.

At-home hearing healthcare services include:

• Hearing test and diagnosis
• Hearing aid fitting and programming
• Hearing aid maintenance and repairs
• Hearing healthcare visits for the elderly in a care home or assisted living accommodation
• Hearing aid adjustments
• Hearing healthcare aftercare and follow-up appointments

No hassle, no waiting rooms!

In today’s hectic world, there are many people who find that making time for appointments around their busy schedule can be almost impossible. Taking extra time off work or having to travel for miles after a long day can often put people off.  

Because we have nationwide coverage in the UK - wherever you live, we will have around 2-3 professional audiologists in your area who can visit you. As we understand how important your hearing is, our audiologists are happy to visit you in your home at a time convenient for you.  This means no extra travelling time or sitting around in waiting rooms.

What are the benefits of hearing healthcare at home?

• Hearing aid tuning in the most realistic environment.
• One-on-one assistance with connecting, using, and maintaining your hearing aids.
• A more personable relationship with your hearing healthcare provider in a setting that's more comfortable.
• More convenient.
• Benefit from a bespoke service for free!
• Ideal for those who have logistical issues and can't attend a clinic.

A home visit hearing test is no different from one done at a clinic. The audiologist will examine your ears first to check for blockage or signs of infection, then they will conduct a full hearing test to determine the exact level of hearing loss you have. Once this information has been gathered, they will then sit down and discuss with you all the options they believe would be suitable for your hearing needs.

Also, there are many wireless accessories that can connect your hearing aids to various devices in your home such as your TV or telephone. With a home visit, the audiologist can properly demonstrate these so you have a far better idea of whether it is the kind of technology for you.

  Home visits on the highstreet - Are they available?

If you are just starting to research hearing aids and like the sound of a home visit, it would be easy to assume that all hearing aid providers would come and visit you for your care.  In reality, this is not the case.  To bring clarity, here are the main highstreet hearing aid providers and what they currently offer:

• Boots hearing test home visits etc:   No home visits, just in-store appointments.
• Specsavers  hearing home visits etc:  We don't know if they offer all hearing services, but a hearing test will cost roughly £100 at home.
• Amplifon home visiting services:   Do home visits for around £30.
• Bloom home visits:  Do home visits in some areas, you'd have to double-check if yours is covered.
• Scrivens hearing healthcare at home:   Don't provide any home visits.

What do we offer at Your Hearing?  What's included in the price?

Our home visits are there to provide a solution, not only for those who cannot leave the house but for those who need a convenient, less time-consuming way of getting their hearing tested.  We pride ourselves on always being transparent with prices, services, hearing aid models, and aftercare. 

What you see is indeed what you get - no nasties and small print!  Here is what is included in the price of the hearing aids and  all the benefits that you would get with seeing our audiologist in their clinic. 

These are:  

• Full hearing test
• Fitting and programming 
• Fully professional and qualified audiologist
• More choice fo hearing aid models and brands
• Truly independent
• Transparent and competitive prices (upto 40% off the highstreet prices)
• Aftercare for the life of the hearing aids
• Manufacturers warranty

Would you like more information on home visits for hearing aids and tests?

If you would like more information on our hearing healthcare home visiting services in your area - call us free on  0800 567 7721   to chat with one of our audiologists with any queries or to book your at-home hearing assessment.

Alternatively, you can watch our hearing aid and hearing healthcare videos by clicking on the link below or fill out the form further down the page to contact us ↓

Author: Paul Harrison

For more information on our hearing aid service or to book an appointment then please call us now on 0800 567 7721 8am to 8pm 7 days a week or complete our quick form & we'll call you back

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Branch Locations in Oxon/Bucks - Click Here

Oxon & Bucks NHS Audiology Service

Nhs-funded hearing aids, no gp referral required, nhs-funded hearing tests & hearing aids, local oxon/bucks locations, latest 2024 nhs bluetooth technology. , contact us. appointments within 7 days. .

*For 55+ with age-related hearing loss

Suffering with Hearing Loss ?

Have others been complaining that you do not hear them? Perhaps you raise the TV much louder than they like? Maybe you find certain situations difficult like noisy restaurants or hearing the grandchildren?

Contact us for an NHS funded hearing test and if appropriate we will fit NHS funded hearing aids for you. We can usually see you within 7 days. There is no need for a GP referral ! Simply call us for an appointment and we arrange all with the NHS. 

This service is only for those 55+ and whose GPs are in Oxon/Bucks . 

NHS-funded Hearing Aid Service

New Patients Seeking an NHS-funded Audiology Service

For new patients (over 55) who are interested in an NHS-funded hearing test or NHS-funded hearing aids, you no longer need a GP referral ! Simply book yourself into our service using the Self-Referral form below , or arrange an appointment by calling us now.

Check Your Eligibility for an Upgrade to Newer NHS Hearing Aid Technology

If your current NHS hearing aids were fitted over 3 years ago then we can arrange an NHS-funded hearing re-assessment. Following this appointment you may then be eligible for upgraded NHS-funded hearing aids. If you are eligible then we are usually able to provide new upgraded hearing aids on the same day as your re-assessment.

Ex-OUH Patients Transfering to Our Service

If you are an ex-Oxford University Hospital (OUH) or John Radcliffe Hospital hearing aid patient with a letter quoting a 'transfer code', then please note that we have been commissioned to take over your hearing care. Contact us to arrange an appointment for your hearing care to be transferred to us.

For new patients (over 55) interested in NHS funded hearing test or NHS funded hearing aids, you no longer need a GP referral ! Simply book yourself into our service using the  Self -Referral form below  or arrange an appointment by calling us now

If you have hearing aids from another provider then you are welcome to transfer into our service. If your current NHS hearing aids were fitted over 3 years ago then we can arrange NHS funded hearing assessment.

Self-Referral Booking Request Form

We typically have appointment slots available within 7 days, and the best part is, you don't need a GP referral! Just give us a call or fill out the form below to set up an apppointment, and we'll take care of all the arrangements with the NHS for you.

Thanks for submitting!

Branch Locations in Oxon/Bucks Click Here 

Marcham Road Family Health Centre, Marcham Road Abingdon OX14 1BT

St Mary's Court The Broadway Amersham HP7 0UT

The Gate House Gatehouse Way Aylesbury HP19 8DB

Market House Market Square Aylesbury HP20 1TN

The Mandeville Practice Hannon Road Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP21 8TR

The Orchard Health Centre Cope Road, Banbury OX16 2EZ

The 54 Clinic 54 Bloxham Rd Banbury OX16 9JR

Bicester Bicester Community Hospital, Kings End Bicester OX26 6DU  

Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton Community Hospital, Russell Way, Off London Road, Chipping NortonOX7 5AU  

Didcot Community Hospital Wantage Road Didcot OX11 0AG

Gerrards Cross

Building 1 Chalfont Park Gerrards Cross SL9 0BG

High Wycombe / Beaconsfield

Aston Court Frederick Place High Wycombe HP11 1JU  

High Wycombe

Basepoint Lincoln Road High Wycombe HP12 3RL

Hollow Way Medical Centre  Ivy Close  Oxford OX4 2NB

Oxford (Jericho)

Observatory Medical Practice Jericho Health Centre, New Radcliffe House, Walton Street Oxford, OX2 6NY  

Oxford (East / Central)

St Bartholomew's Medical Centre, Manzil Way, Cowley Road OX4 1XB  

Oxford (City Centre)

Northgate Health Centre 15 Market Street Oxford OX1 3EF  

Oxford (West/South)

South Oxford Health Centre  Lake Street, Oxford OX1 4RP  

Oxford (Headington)

Headington Old Village Hall Dunstan Road Headington Oxford OX3 9BR

Oxford (Littlemore)

John Eccles House Science Park, Robert Robinson Ave Littlemore Oxford OX4 4GP

Oxford (Iffley)

Iffley Turn Practice 3 Church Cowley Road Oxford OX4 3JR  

Princes Risborough

Cross Keys Practice 60 High Street Princes Risborough HP27 0AX

Stoke Poges

Three Ways Surgery Pennylets Green Stoke Poges SL2 4AZ  

Wantage Community Hospital Garston Lane Wantage OX12 7AS  

Witney Community Hospital Welch Way Witney OX28 6JJ

Our Clinic Locations Below

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• Do you have multiple branches for your NHS audiology services in Oxon? Yes, we have branches in all Oxon Boroughs. Branches include Abingdon, Amersham, Aylesbury, Banbury, Bicester, Chipping Norton, Didcot, Gerrards Cross, High Wycombe / Beaconsfield, Oxford (Jericho), Oxford (East/Central), Oxford (City Centre), Oxford (West/South), Oxford (Headington), Oxford (Littlemore), Oxford (Iffley), Princes Risborough, Stoke Poges, Wantage and Witney.
• Can I schedule an NHS audiology appointment without a GP referral? Absolutely! You can contact us directly to schedule an appointment. There is no need for a GP referral. Simply fill out the contact form, send us an email or call us and we will contact you to arrange an appointment and answer any questions you may have.
• How long does it typically take to receive my NHS hearing aids after assessment? In 90% of appointments you will receive your NHS hearing aids on the same day as your initial appointment with us. The hearing aid fitting takes place immediately after your hearing test during your first visit to us.
• Is ‘Oxon NHS Audiology’ an approved provider of NHS hearing aids and services? Yes, ‘Oxon NHS Audiology’ is part of Audiological Science Ltd. We are a reputable and experienced provider of NHS hearing aids and hearing services in Oxon /Bucks, with multiple NHS Audiology services Nationwide. To confirm our status as an NHS provider, you can see our company’s NHS website listing using this link
• I already have NHS hearing aids. Can I upgrade to your latest NHS hearing aid technology? You can upgrade your NHS hearing aids every 3 years. If you have had your current NHS hearing aids for 3 years then feel free to contact us to arrange for new upgraded hearing aids.
• How quickly can I be seen? We typically have appointment slots available within 7 days!
• Does the NHS supply Bluetooth hearing aids? Yes, our NHS hearing aids are now Bluetooth-enabled. Enjoy seamless integration with digital devices for an enhanced hearing experience. This includes streaming phone calls and music/videos/media from your mobile device. Additionally, a phone App can be used to control your hearing aid settings (e.g. volume, noise reduction)
• Are the Hearing Aids and the Hearing Test fully funded by the NHS? Yes, our services are entirely funded by the NHS. The hearing test, hearing aids, batteries and follow-up services are all free of charge to you. You will not need to pay anything at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us for appointment.

Book an appointment in just 7 days—no GP referral is required! Please leave your details, or call us on 01865 507280 .

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Who the test is for

The online hearing test is for you if you’re aged 18 or over and have not been diagnosed with hearing loss.

How it works

The test measures how well you can hear speech when there’s background noise.

What you’ll get

You’ll find out if you need to see someone about your hearing, and get our advice on what to do next.

Before you begin

Do you have tinnitus?

You’ll hear constant white noise during the test. If you’ll find this uncomfortable, don’t take the test.

Grab your headphones

You’ll get a more accurate result if you use headphones or earphones rather than built-in speakers.

Find a quiet place

Take the hearing test somewhere you won’t be disturbed.

We’re RNID, an independent charity supporting the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus .

To get a more accurate result, use headphones or earphones rather than built-in speakers. And make sure to take the test somewhere quiet.

White noise is played during the hearing test. If you’ll find this uncomfortable – for example, due to tinnitus – don’t take the test.

Get a copy of your results by email and stay in touch

You will get your results here as soon as you finish the check. We can also send them by email.

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Hearing tests

Peer reviewed by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP Last updated by Dr Laurence Knott Last updated 21 Apr 2021

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There are various different ways to test hearing, depending on the age of the person involved and the type of hearing loss. The medical term for hearing tests is audiometry.

Note : the information below is a general guide only. The arrangements, and the way tests are performed, may vary between different hospitals. Always follow the instructions given by your healthcare professional or local hospital.

In this article :

How do hearing tests work, online hearing tests, what are hearing tests used for, what should i do to prepare for a hearing test, are there any side-effects or complications from hearing tests.

There are various types of tests that can be carried out to check how well you are hearing. They vary according to who is being tested and why. Babies are obviously not able to say when they have heard a sound, so special methods are used when testing babies. In children, the principles of testing may be the same; however, the way in which the tests are carried out may be varied to obtain the most accurate results. There are also additional tests which help to check how well the middle ear and the brain are working in the hearing pathway.

The most common tests of hearing are described below.

Testing newborn babies

The automated otoacoustic emissions (AOAE) test is a quick, simple and painless way to screen newborns for hearing loss. A small earpiece containing a microphone and a mini-loudspeaker is placed in the ear. The loudspeaker makes clicking sounds in§§ the ear. These are passed to the fluid-filled chamber called the cochlea. If the cochlea is working normally, it responds by sending a sound back to the ear canal. This is detected by the microphone. The test is extremely sensitive so that even a slight hearing loss can be detected and if there is a good response then no further checks are needed.

Sometimes, the response cannot be detected when the test is done. This could be because of hearing problems but initially it is more likely to be due to other factors. This could be because the baby is unsettled, the room was noisy or there was some fluid left in the ear after birth. The test will usually be repeated and if there is still not a good response then it will be followed up with another type of test called an automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) test.

In an AABR test a small earphone plays clicks into the baby's ear. If the baby can hear the click, the electric signal in the hearing nerve on its way to the brain can be picked up by sensors that are placed on the baby's skin over their head. The loudness of the clicks is set to a particular level. If this does not produce a response, further different tests will be needed.

Both AOAE and AABR testing are best done when the child is asleep, as the response to be detected is very small and can be difficult to pick up if there is a lot of movement.

Testing in babies and young children

In young children a technique called visual reinforcement audiometry is used. In this test the child hears sounds, usually through speakers in the testing room. When the child hears the sound and turns their head towards it they are given a reward. Usually this is a visual reward such as the flashing lights of a toy. The person testing the child's hearing continues to reinforce this behaviour with a reward every time the child turns towards a sound. Then the person carrying out the test begins to assess the child's hearing by seeing if they respond to different types of sound. By doing this it is possible to find the quietest sound the child can hear.

Different variations of this reward-based test are used as a child becomes older and finds it easier to communicate.

Testing in older children and adults

In older children and adults testing mainly uses a technique called pure tone audiometry. This uses a machine called an audiometer to play a series of tones through headphones. The tones vary in pitch (frequency, measured in hertz) and loudness (intensity, measured in decibels).

The health professional conducting the test will control the volume of a tone and reduce its loudness until you can no longer hear it. Then the tone will become louder until you can hear it again. You signal by raising your hand or pressing a button every time you hear a tone, even if the tone you hear is very faint. The health professional will then repeat the test several times, using a higher-pitched tone each time. Each ear is tested separately.

The results of the test are plotted on a special graph called an audiogram which helps to show the pattern of any hearing loss.

Free hearing tests are readily available online. They often involve listening to a tone through the earphones you may usually use to listen to music on your laptop or computer. They will only provide a rough assessment of your hearing but may be useful if you are not sure whether you need a face-to-face assessment or not. Free face-to-face assessments are available on the NHS via a GP referral but you may have to wait a few weeks for an appointment. You may find it quicker to get a face-to-face assessment at a large pharmacy or optician, but you will still need an NHS assessment if you need a hearing aid and want a free one.

You should in any case consult your GP if you have other symptoms such as earache or discharge, or sudden hearing loss in one ear.

Continue reading below

Hearing tests are used in a number of different circumstances including:

To evaluate possible hearing loss in anyone who has noticed a persistent hearing problem in one or both ears or has had difficulty understanding words in conversation.

When determining the type and amount of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or both).

Screening babies and young children for hearing problems that might interfere with their ability to learn, speak, or understand language.

To screen for hearing loss in people who are repeatedly exposed to loud noises or who are taking certain antibiotic medicines, such as gentamicin.

Usually very little preparation is needed for a hearing test. If you are known to have wax in your ears you may have to have this removed before the test, so that it does not interfere with the results.

Let the person doing the test know if you have had, or the child being tested has had, a recent cold or ear infection, as this may interfere with the results.

These are very safe tests; complications arising from these tests are extremely rare.

Further reading and references

• RNID (Formerly as known as Action on Hearing Loss)
• Walker JJ, Cleveland LM, Davis JL, et al ; Audiometry screening and interpretation. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Jan 1;87(1):41-7.
• Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management ; NICE Guideline (June 2018 - last updated October 2023)

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 20 Apr 2026

21 apr 2021 | latest version.

Last updated by

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Hearing aids and implants

A GP can help you get hearing aids if you think you need them.

The earlier you get them, the more you'll get out of them – so do not wait until your hearing gets really bad before seeing a GP.

Benefits of hearing aids

Hearing aids will not make your hearing perfect, but they make sounds louder and clearer, reducing the impact hearing loss has on your life.

Hearing aids can:

• help you hear everyday sounds such as the doorbell and phone
• improve your ability to hear speech
• make you feel more confident when talking to people and make it easier for you to follow conversations in different environments
• help you to enjoy listening to music and the TV, at a volume that's comfortable for those around you

But hearing aids only help if you still have some hearing left, so do not put off getting help if your hearing is getting worse.

How to get hearing aids

See a GP if you're having problems with your hearing. They may refer you to a hearing specialist for an assessment if they think you might need a hearing aid.

If your specialist recommends hearing aids, talk to them about the different types available and which is best for you. You may be able to try a few types before choosing.

Some types may be available to use straight away. Others may need to be custom made after your ear has been measured or a cast of your ear has been taken. These will usually be ready in a few weeks.

When your hearing aid is ready, it will be programmed to suit your level of hearing loss. You'll be shown how to use it and how to look after it.

Another appointment will be arranged for a few weeks later to check how things are going.

Types of hearing aids

A variety of hearing aids are available.

JOHN BIRDSALL SOCIAL ISSUES PHOTO LIBRARY / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are the most common type.

They're made up of a small plastic device that sits behind your ear.

This is attached with a tube to a piece of plastic that fits in your ear (an earmould) or a soft tip that goes into the opening of your ear (an open fitting).

BTE hearing aids are one of the easiest types to use and are suitable for most people with hearing loss. They're available in a range of colours.

Receiver in the ear (RITE) hearing aids are similar to BTE hearing aids.

The main difference is that with RITE hearing aids, the part of the hearing aid that sits behind the ear is smaller and is connected by a thin wire to a speaker placed inside the opening of the ear.

RITE hearing aids are less visible than BTE hearing aids and are suitable for most people with hearing loss, but they can be more fiddly to use than BTE hearing aids.

In the ear (ITE) hearing aids fill the area just outside the opening of your ear.

They cannot be seen from behind, unlike BTE or RITE hearing aids, but they are visible from the side.

ITE hearing aids are suitable for most people with hearing loss, although they can be trickier to use than BTE or RITE hearing aids.

In the canal (ITC) hearing aids are similar to ITE aids, but are a bit smaller and just fill the opening of the ear.

They're less visible than many other types of hearing aid but can be trickier to use and are not usually powerful enough for people with severe hearing loss.

Completely in the canal (CIC) and invisible in the canal (IIC) hearing aids are the smallest types available.

They fit further into the opening of your ear than ITC hearing aids and are barely visible. 

But these hearing aids are not usually powerful enough for people with severe hearing loss. They're also quite fiddly and some can only be put in and taken out by a hearing aid specialist.

CROS and BiCROS hearing aids can help if you've lost hearing in one ear.

They come as a pair. The hearing aid in the ear with hearing loss picks up sound and sends it to a hearing aid in your good ear. This can be done wirelessly or through a wire around the back of your neck.

Body worn hearing aids are made up of a small box connected to earphones.

The box can be clipped to your clothes or put inside a pocket.

This type of hearing aid may be best if you have severe hearing loss and need a powerful hearing aid, or if you find the controls on smaller hearing aids tricky to use. However, they're not commonly used and may not always be available.

Hearing aids on the NHS

Hearing aids are available on the NHS.

Your GP can refer you to an NHS hearing aid provider if they think you might need a hearing aid.

The benefits of getting a hearing aid on the NHS include:

• hearing aids are provided for free as a long-term loan
• batteries and repairs are free (there may be a charge if you lose or break your hearing aid and it needs to be replaced)
• you do not have to pay for any follow-up appointments or aftercare

But while several modern hearing aids are available on the NHS, these are usually the behind the ear (BTE) or, very occasionally, the receiver in the ear (RITE) type. You may need to pay for private treatment if you want one of the other types.

The waiting time for getting a hearing aid on the NHS can sometimes be longer than the wait for private treatment.

Paying for hearing aids

If you do not mind paying for treatment, you can choose to go to a private hearing aid provider directly.

This may mean you can pick from a wider range of hearing aids, including the smaller, less visible models.

Not all hearing aids are suitable for everyone, but the hearing specialist (audiologist) will tell you which hearing aids are suitable within your budget.

If you choose to pay for private treatment:

• make sure you research typical costs of hearing aids and any aftercare – you can pay anything from £500 to £3,500 or more for a single hearing aid
• shop around to see what types of hearing aid are available from different providers
• consider the cost of batteries and if you can change them easily

Batteries, repairs and replacements

If you have an NHS hearing aid, you can get free batteries and repairs from the NHS hearing aid service who fitted your hearing aids.

Ask your audiologist about how to obtain batteries and request servicing and repairs.

You may need to come in for an appointment, or you may be able to send off for batteries or a repair in the post.

Your local hearing aid service can also replace hearing aids that have been lost or damaged, although there may be a charge for this.

If you have a private hearing aid, contact your hearing aid provider if you need it repaired or replaced.

You may have to pay for this service if it's not already included in your payment plan.

Help and support if you wear hearing aids

Adjusting to hearing aids can be difficult at first. It may take a few weeks or months to get used to them.

You'll have follow-up appointments after they're fitted to check how things are going, but get in touch with your audiologist at any point if you're having problems.

Several hearing loss organisations can also provide help and support if you're adapting to hearing loss or life with a hearing aid.

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) has information about local support services

Other organisations that can provide information and advice include:

• Hearing Link Services
• National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)

Hearing implants

For some people, hearing aids do not help and instead they need to have a special device fitted inside or to their skull during an operation. These are known as hearing implants.

Common types of implant include bone anchored hearing aids, cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants and middle ear implants.

LIFE IN VIEW/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/267154/view

A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) may be an option if you have hearing loss caused by sound being unable to reach your inner ear.

This type of hearing aid is attached to your skull during a minor operation. It picks up sound and sends it to the inner ear by vibrating the bones near your ear.

It can be clipped on and off – for example, it's removed at night and when you swim or take a shower. Some newer types are held onto the head with magnets instead of a connector through the skin.

LIFE IN VIEW/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/419395/view

A cochlear implant may be an option if you have severe, permanent hearing loss that is not helped by hearing aids. 

They work by turning sound into electrical signals and sending them to part of the inner ear called the cochlea. From here, the signals travel to the brain and are heard as sound.

The implant has 2 main parts:

• a microphone behind the ear that picks up sound and changes it into electrical signals, which are sent along a wire to a device on the skin
• a device placed inside the skull that picks up the electrical signals from the device on the skin and sends them along wires to the cochlea

Before having a cochlear implant, you'll have an assessment to find out if it will help. The implant will only work if the nerve that sends sound to the brain (auditory nerve) is working properly.

RNID has more information about cochlear implants

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/135686/view

An auditory brainstem implant (ABI) may be an option if you have severe, permanent hearing loss and a problem with your auditory nerve.

An ABI works in a similar way to a cochlear implant, but the electrical sound signals are sent directly to the brain along wires, instead of the cochlea.

An ABI will not usually fully restore your hearing, but it can improve it to some degree.

Hearing Link Services has more information about auditory brainstem implants

A middle ear implant (MEI) may be an option if you cannot use a regular hearing aid – for example, because you're allergic to the materials they're made from or they do not fit in your ear correctly.

An MEI has 2 main parts:

• a device attached to the skin that picks up sound and turns it into an electrical signal
• a device under the skin that picks up these signals and sends them along a wire to the small hearing bones deep in the ear, which causes them to vibrate

Vibrating the hearing bones means that sound can travel into your inner ear and brain. This will not fully restore your hearing, but it can help make sounds louder and clearer.

Hearing Link Services has more information about middle ear implants

Assistive listening devices (ALDs)

There are many sorts of listening devices, other than hearing aids, to help boost your hearing in everyday situations in the home and out and about.

Assistive listening devices (ALDs), which can be used with a hearing aid or on their own, include:

• personal hearing loops, like neckloops, that allow you to hear music or phone calls directly through your hearing aid
• personal communicators (or conversation listeners): portable devices to help you hear over a long distance or in noisy places
• TV amplifiers: devices that allow you to hear sound clearly through your hearing aid without needing to turn up the volume
• smoke alarms appropriate for your level of hearing, such as vibrating devices

Your GP or hearing specialist will tell you about organisations that provide advice on obtaining ALDs, such as:

• social services
• fire service
• Access to Work government programme – find out more on GOV.UK
• Disabled Students' Allowance government programme – find out more on GOV.UK

Page last reviewed: 18 October 2023 Next review due: 18 October 2026

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