What is a hearing test?
A hearing test is an assessment used to evaluate how well you hear sounds, speech, and different frequencies. Hearing tests can identify hearing loss, determine its severity, and help hearing care professionals recommend appropriate treatment or support.
There are many different types of hearing tests, ranging from simple screening tools to comprehensive clinical assessments.
Signs You May Need a Hearing Test
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- Increasing television volume
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Feeling that people are mumbling
- Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears
- Feeling tired after conversations due to listening effort
- Avoiding social situations because hearing is difficult
Types of Hearing Tests
There are several different types of hearing tests available. Each test evaluates a specific aspect of hearing and ear health.
Online hearing tests are hearing screening tools designed to provide an indication of hearing ability.
These tests can often be completed from home using headphones and may help identify potential signs of hearing loss. While online hearing tests can be a useful first step, they do not replace a comprehensive hearing assessment performed by a hearing care professional.
Pure-tone audiometry is one of the most common professional hearing tests and is often considered the gold standard for measuring hearing ability.
During the assessment, sounds are played through headphones at different frequencies and volumes. You are asked to indicate when you hear a sound.
The results are recorded on an audiogram and help identify:
- Whether hearing loss is present
- The severity of hearing loss
- Which frequencies are affected
Speech audiometry evaluates how well you hear and understand speech.
Rather than listening for tones, you will listen to spoken words presented at different volume levels and repeat what you hear.
This test provides valuable insight into how hearing loss may affect communication in real-world situations.
Tympanometry assesses the health and function of the middle ear.
A small probe is placed in the ear canal to measure how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure.
This test may help identify:
- Ear infections
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Perforated eardrums
OAE testing measures sounds generated by the inner ear in response to stimulation.
This assessment is commonly used for newborn hearing screening and can help identify certain types of hearing loss.
ABR testing evaluates how the auditory nerve and brain respond to sound.
This specialised assessment is often used when more detailed information is required about hearing function and auditory pathways.
Your guide to NHS hearing tests
If you’re concerned about your hearing, you can access a hearing assessment through NHS audiology services. A hearing test can help identify whether hearing loss is present and determine whether further support or treatment may be beneficial.
While referral pathways can vary across the UK, the process typically follows a few simple steps.
Many people seek a hearing test after noticing changes in their hearing, such as:
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments
- Turning up the television volume more than others prefer
- Struggling to hear on the phone
- Feeling that people are mumbling
- Experiencing ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it may be worth discussing your hearing concerns with a healthcare professional.
For many people, the first step towards an NHS hearing test is speaking with their GP.
Your GP may ask about:
- Your hearing symptoms
- How long you’ve noticed changes
- Any history of ear infections or hearing problems
- Whether your hearing difficulties are affecting daily life
Depending on your symptoms and local NHS pathways, your GP may refer you to an NHS audiology service for further assessment.
At your appointment, an audiologist or hearing care professional will carry out a comprehensive hearing assessment.
This may include:
- A discussion about your hearing concerns
- A review of your medical and hearing history
- Examination of your ears
- Pure-tone audiometry testing
- Speech hearing assessments
- Additional tests if required
Most hearing assessments are simple and typically take between 30 and 60 minutes.
Following your assessment, your audiologist will explain your hearing test results and discuss whether hearing loss has been identified.
The results may help determine:
- Whether hearing loss is present
- The type of hearing loss
- The severity of hearing loss
- Whether further investigation is required
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns.
If hearing loss is identified, your audiologist will discuss the most appropriate options based on your individual needs.
Depending on the results, recommendations may include:
- Monitoring your hearing over time
- Additional medical investigations
- Hearing aids
- Hearing rehabilitation support
- Advice on protecting your hearing
Many people searching for a hearing test are specifically interested in NHS hearing assessments.
In most cases, the process begins with discussing your hearing concerns with your GP. Depending on local NHS pathways, you may be referred to an audiology service for further assessment.
An NHS hearing test may include ear examinations, pure-tone audiometry, speech testing, and discussions about hearing health. If hearing loss is identified, recommendations and support options will be discussed.
Take the first step towards better hearing
Understanding your hearing health starts with a hearing test.
Whether you’re experiencing hearing difficulties or simply want reassurance, taking action early can help you better understand your hearing and explore the options available to you.
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Take our free online hearing test
Frequently asked questions about hearing tests
A hearing test is an assessment used to evaluate how well you hear sounds, speech, and different frequencies. It helps identify whether hearing loss is present and provides information about the type and severity of any hearing difficulties.
There are several types of hearing tests available, ranging from simple hearing screening tools to comprehensive assessments carried out by hearing care professionals. During a professional hearing test, you may be asked to listen to sounds through headphones, respond when you hear tones, or repeat words to assess how well you understand speech.
Hearing tests are simple and typically take between 30 and 60 minutes. They play an important role in understanding your hearing health and can help determine whether further support or treatment may be beneficial.
Most hearing assessments follow a similar process:
- Discussion of symptoms and hearing concerns.
- Review of medical and hearing history.
- Examination of the ears.
- Hearing assessments using specialist equipment.
- Explanation of results.
- Discussion of treatment or support options if required.
Most hearing tests are painless and typically take between 30 and 60 minutes.
Yes, NHS hearing tests are available for people who are experiencing hearing difficulties or have concerns about their hearing. The process usually begins with a conversation with your GP, although referral pathways can vary across the UK. During an NHS hearing assessment, an audiologist will evaluate your hearing and explain the results. If hearing loss is identified, they can discuss appropriate support and treatment options.
Yes, NHS hearing tests are generally available free of charge to eligible patients in the UK. If you are experiencing hearing difficulties, you can speak with your GP or access local audiology services where available. An NHS hearing assessment is carried out by a qualified hearing care professional and can help identify hearing loss, determine its severity and recommend appropriate next steps. Depending on your individual needs and local service provision, additional support, including NHS hearing aids and follow-up care, may also be available.
Audiometry is one of the most common types of professional hearing assessment. During the test, you will listen to sounds played at different frequencies and volumes through headphones and indicate when you can hear them. The results are recorded on an audiogram, which helps audiologists determine whether hearing loss is present, how severe it is, and which frequencies are affected. Audiometry plays a key role in diagnosing and managing hearing loss.
There is no single recommendation that applies to everyone, but many adults benefit from having their hearing checked every few years, particularly after the age of 50. If you already have hearing loss, wear hearing aids, work in noisy environments or have noticed changes in your hearing, more regular assessments may be beneficial. Regular hearing tests can help identify changes early and support better long-term hearing health.
If hearing loss is identified during a hearing test, the first step is to discuss your results with a hearing care professional. They will explain the type and severity of the hearing loss and help you understand what it means for your daily life.
Depending on the cause of the hearing loss, recommendations may include monitoring your hearing over time, further medical investigations, hearing rehabilitation, or hearing aids. Some types of hearing loss can be treated medically, while others can be effectively managed with hearing technology and support.
It’s important not to ignore hearing loss, as early intervention can help improve communication, confidence, and overall quality of life. Taking action sooner can also help you better understand the options available and access the support you need to stay connected to the people and activities you enjoy.