Hearing tests
You are not imagining it.
“I had never had a hearing test before. It was explained clearly, and I left knowing exactly where I stood.”
Rather find out if it is worth it? Take Hearology's Hearing Test Reckoner. It's six questions and takes about a minute.
Read the transcript
So I just got a comprehensive hearing test here at Hearology and the reason why is because well my family and my friends have been telling me for a while that I need to get one done. So they're comprehensive hearing tests, great, they seat you down, they take you through a lot of tests, they actually measure the eardrum pressure and your volume density as well in your ear canal and then they take you to a really cool booth where you actually hear different noises and test both ears, the left and the right.
The tests at the hearing booth are so thorough as well, they will literally just feed you some sentences which you then have to read out loud.
When you come in here you can really see that they actually put a lot of effort and invest a lot of money in technology to make sure that they actually ascertain the root cause of your problems.
The atmosphere at Hearology are great, they're so professional, they're so kind and they're so lovely as well.
If you have a grandparent or anyone actually who you may suspect they need to get a hearing test done, please let them know, Hearology is here to help them.
Why clients trust us
Trusted and proven expertise
We've cared for over 185,000 ears, and we've been rated one of the 3 best audiologists in London by Three Best Rated®, 8 years running.
Hearology is registered with the CQC (the Care Quality Commission), which sets us apart in an industry where anyone can offer ear cleaning, whatever their training. If you're looking for safe, comfortable ear wax removal, we'd love to look after your ears too.
Still on the fence?
The Hearing Test Reckoner
Six questions about the moments you find hard, and an honest answer on whether it is worth coming in.
Should you get your hearing checked?
Six short questions to help you decide whether a hearing test would be useful for you. It takes about a minute, and your answers stay on this page.
Nothing you answer is storedDo you turn the television up louder than everyone else in the room would like?
Or find yourself reading the subtitles to keep up.
The appointment
What happens when you come in
- First few minutesWe talk before we testWhere it is hardest to hear, who you struggle with, and what you have quietly stopped doing because of it. Most of what an audiologist needs comes out of that conversation.
- Before any testWe look inside your earsUnder a microscope, before anything is measured. Sometimes the answer is simply wax, and it can often be dealt with in the same visit.
- About 20 minutesThe test itselfA quiet room, headphones, and tones to respond to. Nothing is pushed into your ears and nothing hurts. The diagnostic test adds middle-ear measurement and speech in background noise.
- At the endYou see your own resultsYour audiogram on the screen beside you, in plain English, with time to ask about it. You leave with a copy and the options written down.
Afterwards
Your results and next steps
Your audiogram, explained
Your audiologist goes through your results with you on the screen, in plain English, and you take a copy home.
If your hearing is fine
You have a baseline on record to compare against later, and we'll suggest when it's worth checking again.
If something needs attention
We explain the options, from wax removal to hearing aids or an ENT referral, and write them down. There's no decision to make on the day.
Two tests
Start wherever you feel comfortable
The screening tells you whether something needs a closer look. The diagnostic test tells you what it is.
Free hearing screening
Free
30 minutes, or 60 minutes if you're 55 or over · free · book online
- A thorough first check with a clinical audiologist, in a private clinic
- Tympanometry included, to check how your middle ear is working
- Tells you whether anything needs a closer look
- Nothing to pay, and nothing to turn down at the end of it
Hearology® diagnostic test
£99
60 minutes · £99, paid online · book online
- A far wider range of frequencies than our free screening
- Speech in background noise, the situation most people actually struggle with
- Middle-ear health, and a full audiogram that is yours to keep
- The detail that programmes a hearing aid to your hearing rather than to an average
| In detail | Free hearing screening | £99 Hearology® diagnostic test |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | £99 |
| How long | 30 minutes, or 60 minutes if you're 55 or over | 60 minutes |
| Setting | Typically any quiet room, not a soundproof environment | A soundproof booth, so outside noise doesn't affect your results |
| Performed by | A clinical audiologist | A clinical audiologist |
| Testing scope | Tone testing plus tympanometry, which checks how your middle ear is working | A full suite of tests, including for middle ear health and social hearing (‘speech-in-noise’ testing) |
| What it aims to do | Identify potential hearing loss | Investigate your entire auditory system in depth |
| What you leave with | A clear picture of your hearing today, explained in plain English, with honest advice on whether to go further | A complete medical profile of your hearing health, with objective recommendations |
A diagnostic hearing test at Hearology® will give you a comprehensive diagnosis, complete objectivity, independent expertise and personalised care focused solely on your hearing health. And if it's hearing aids that you want or need, the diagnostic hearing test format provides many more data points across the frequencies with which to optimise the calibration of the devices in line with your unique hearing profile.
If you are still not sure, then just book a free hearing screening with Hearology®. It's a thorough first check with a clinical audiologist, in a calm private clinic, with time to talk the results through.
Our team
Who will be looking after you
We're an international expert team of audiologists, ENT specialists and microsuction pioneers. Each of us is registered with the relevant professional body, so you and your ears receive the best possible care.
Our team
Co-founder & Clinical Audiologist
Vincent Howard
BSc (Hons), CECP, HCPC registered
Vincent Howard is one of Hearology's Co-founders and a Health and Care Professions Council-registered Clinical Audiologist with expertise in aural microsuction (including paediatric), hearing and balance, diagnostic hearing assessments and hearing aid technology.
Read more about VincentReviews
What our clients say
Here's what people tell us after their hearing screening or hearing test. Every review comes from a real client.
It was a very good experience, office is easily reachable from the London Bridge Station, nice place and the staff especially Esti who did my test was very efficient and pleasant. She explained everything well.
All five clinics
Find a clinic near you
London Bridge
57 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1RU
- Air-conditioned
- Step-free access
- Free WiFi
- Tea and coffee
- Toilet
Liverpool Street
46 New Broad Street, London, EC2M 1JH
- Air-conditioned
- Step-free access
- Free WiFi
- Tea and coffee
Orpington
Enso House, Crayfields Business Park, 3 New Mill Road, Orpington, BR5 3TW
- Air-conditioned
- Step-free access
- Tea and coffee
- Parking nearby
Oxted
66-68 Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0PJ
- Air-conditioned
- Step-free access
- Free WiFi
- Tea and coffee
- Toilet
- Parking nearby
Forest Row
Castle House, The Square, Lewes Road, Forest Row, RH18 5ES
- Air-conditioned
- Step-free access
- Tea and coffee
- Parking nearby
Questions people ask us first
Is the free screening really free?
Yes. There is nothing to pay and nothing to decline afterwards. It's a thorough first check with tympanometry included, in a private clinic with a clinician who has time for you.
Which one should I book?
If you mainly want to know whether something has changed, the free screening answers that. If you want to know what has changed and why, or you need a proper audiogram for work, for a referral, or to have hearing aids set up accurately, book the diagnostic test.
Will you try to sell me hearing aids?
We fit hearing aids, and we will talk about them if they are relevant to what we find. What we will not do is put a device in front of you on the day you came in for a test. If you want to try them, ask, otherwise the subject stays closed.
What if nothing is wrong?
That happens often, and it is a perfectly good outcome. You will have a baseline on record to compare against in a few years, and you will stop wondering.
Does it hurt?
No. Nothing is inserted into your ears during a hearing test. If we need to remove wax first, microsuction is gentle and most people find it unremarkable.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book either test directly. If we find something that should be seen by an ENT specialist, we will say so and write the referral.
Can I bring someone with me?
Please do. A partner or a friend often remembers the situations you find difficult better than you do, and they are welcome in the room.
How soon will I know the results?
Before you leave. Your audiogram is explained to you on the screen in the same appointment, and you take a copy with you.
I already wear hearing aids. Is this worth doing?
Yes. A current diagnostic test shows whether your hearing has changed and whether your aids are still set correctly for it. We are happy to assess devices bought elsewhere.
The first step is easy. Why wait?
Book either test online, or call us and talk it through with someone who does this all day.