Hearing Tests

Overview

A hearing test is a painless check that measures how well you hear sounds. It helps find out if you have hearing loss and how much it affects your daily life.

Yes. About 1 in 6 adults in the UK has some hearing difficulty, and it becomes more common with age.

Anyone can have hearing loss, but it is most common in older adults. Babies are checked at birth or in early childhood, and people of all ages may need tests if they notice changes in their hearing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially with background noise
• Needing the TV or radio volume higher than usual
• Asking people to repeat themselves frequently
• Muffled hearing or a feeling that your ear is blocked
• Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)

Symptoms in children

• Not responding when their name is called
• Delayed speech or language skills
• Speaking loudly or using a monotone voice
• Showing frustration or not paying attention
• Having trouble in school or with directions

Symptoms in older adults

• Having trouble following conversations, especially in groups
• Withdrawing from social situations because of hearing difficulty
• Feeling tired or stressed after listening for a while
• Mishearing and responding inappropriately
• Confusion or feeling that people mumble

Causes

Main causes

• Long-term exposure to loud noise, such as at work or concerts
• Aging, which naturally damages the tiny hair cells in the inner ear
• Earwax build-up blocking the ear canal
• Infections in the middle ear, like otitis media
• A family history of hearing loss
• Some illnesses or medicines that can harm the inner ear

Risk factors

• Working in loud occupations without ear protection
• Listening to music at high volume for long periods
• Getting older
• Having diabetes or heart disease
• Smoking

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden hearing loss or a sudden change in hearing
• You have hearing loss with pain, discharge, or a head injury
• You have hearing loss and severe dizziness

Book a routine appointment if:

• You or your family members notice that you are missing parts of conversations
• You keep asking people to repeat themselves
• You need the TV volume up louder than other people prefer
• You have persistent ringing in your ears

Diagnosis

A hearing test is usually done by a doctor or a hearing specialist called an audiologist. They will ask about your symptoms, look at your ears, and then do simple, painless tests to measure your hearing.

Tests that may be done

• Pure-tone audiometry: you listen to beeps through headphones and press a button when you hear them
• Speech test: you repeat words back to see how well you hear conversations
• Tympanometry: a small probe gently checks how your eardrum moves
• Tuning fork test: a metal fork is struck and placed near your ear to check how you hear through air and bone

What to expect at your appointment

You will sit in a quiet booth or soundproof room, wear headphones, and respond to sounds. There are no needles and no pain. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. You will get a result that shows how well you hear different pitches and volumes.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and type of hearing loss. Many hearing problems can be improved with simple steps, while others need ongoing support from a hearing specialist.

Self-care at home

• Avoid further damage by protecting your ears from loud noises
• Turn down the volume on personal listening devices
• If you have earwax build-up, ask your pharmacist or doctor how to remove it safely
• Give your ears rest after loud events or days

Medical treatments

Medical treatment may include removing earwax, treating an ear infection with prescription medication (only your doctor can decide this), or using hearing aids to make sounds louder and clearer. For some people, more advanced devices can help. Your doctor or audiologist will discuss the best approach for your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Rarely, surgery can help with certain types of hearing loss, such as when the tiny ear bones do not move properly or there is a persistent infection or growth. A specialist can explain if surgery is ever an option.

Living with this condition

Tell friends and family about your hearing loss and what helps you. Face people when they speak, sit in well-lit rooms, and try to reduce background noise. Use hearing aids or assistive devices consistently if they are recommended.

Lifestyle tips

• Take regular breaks from loud environments
• Use earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to noise
• Keep up social activities to avoid isolation
• Consider learning lip-reading or communication skills

Diet and exercise

A heart-healthy lifestyle may also help your ears. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing conditions like diabetes can keep blood flow healthy, including to your inner ear.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can feel frustrating and may lead to isolation, anxiety, or low mood. If you feel down or withdraw from others, talk to your doctor. You don't have to handle it alone.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent hearing loss, but you can protect your ears. The most important step is avoiding loud noise or wearing ear protection when noise is unavoidable.

Vaccines

Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations may protect against infections that can affect hearing, such as meningitis or measles.

Screening programmes

Babies and young children are offered hearing tests to find problems early. Adults can ask for a hearing check if they notice any change, and it is a good idea to have a baseline hearing test in midlife.

Complications

If left untreated

• Struggling to communicate, which can strain relationships
• Withdrawing from social events and losing connections
• An increased risk of falls or accidents if balance is also affected
• Possible memory and thinking difficulties over time
• Feeling anxious, frustrated, or depressed

Long-term outlook

Most hearing loss cannot be cured, but it can be managed well. With the right support, many people continue to work, socialise, and enjoy life to the full. The earlier you check your hearing, the more options you have.

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