If you’ve been having trouble hearing conversations, asking people to repeat themselves, or turning up the volume on the TV more than usual and fear that it’s time for you to get a hearing check, you don’t have to worry.
We know that the idea of getting a hearing test may feel a little intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what to expect, but it’s a pretty straightforward process.
An audiometry examination is a safe, non-invasive, and straightforward process that helps assess how well you hear different sounds, tones, and speech. At Audience Hearing, our goal is to make the experience as simple and stress-free as possible.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the hearing test procedure so you know exactly what happens during your visit.
Let’s begin!
What Is an Audiometry Examination?
An audiometry examination is a type of hearing test used to measure your ability to hear sounds. These sounds vary in pitch (how high or low the sound is) and volume (how loud or soft it is). The test results help your audiologist understand the type and level of hearing loss, if any.
Audiometry exams are commonly recommended if:
- You suspect hearing loss
- Family or friends notice you’re not hearing well
- You’ve been exposed to loud noises over time
- You’ve experienced ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Getting tested doesn’t mean you’re committing to hearing aids. It simply gives you clarity about your hearing health and the information you need to make confident decisions.
What to Expect When Getting a Hearing Test
Step 1: Initial Consultation
When you arrive at our hearing test centre, you’ll first sit down with one of our qualified clinicians or audiologists. This part of the visit is all about understanding your health history and any concerns you may have.
We’ll ask questions like:
- Have you noticed any changes in your hearing?
- Do you hear better in one ear than the other?
- Do you experience ringing, buzzing, or fullness in your ears?
- Are there any situations where hearing becomes especially difficult?
Your answers help us personalise the rest of the hearing test services to suit your needs.
Step 2: Physical Ear Check
Before moving on to the actual hearing test, your clinician will examine your ears using an otoscope (a small lighted device) to check for things like:
- Excess earwax
- Signs of infection or inflammation
- Physical blockages
- Perforated eardrum
If we see anything unusual, we’ll let you know and may refer you to a GP or ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) for further examination before continuing.
Step 3: The Hearing Test Procedure
Once your ears are clear and healthy, we begin the audiometry examination. You’ll sit in a quiet, sound-treated room and wear a pair of headphones or insert earphones. Here’s what happens next:
Pure Tone Audiometry
This is the most common part of the test. You’ll hear a series of tones—some high-pitched, some low—through the headphones. Each time you hear a sound, you simply press a button. This helps us determine the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches.
Speech Audiometry
You’ll also listen to spoken words or sentences and be asked to repeat what you hear. This part tests how well you understand speech, especially in quiet or noisy environments.
Bone Conduction Test
A small device may be placed behind your ear to send sound directly through your skull to your inner ear. This helps us understand whether your hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer/middle ear or the inner ear.
All of these tests are non-invasive and completely painless. Most people find the process surprisingly quick and easy.
Understanding Your Results
Once the test is done, your clinician will go over your results with you. Your hearing levels will be shown on an audiogram, a visual graph that maps how well you hear different sounds.
We’ll explain:
- Whether you have hearing loss
- What type of hearing loss it is (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed)
- Whether it’s mild, moderate, or more severe
- What next steps are recommended (if any)
Even if your hearing is normal, the test results can act as a useful baseline for the future.
What If I Need Help With My Hearing?
If your results show any level of hearing loss, we’ll explain your options clearly. This might include:
- Monitoring your hearing over time
- Earwax removal (available at some of our locations)
- Custom hearing aids tailored to your needs and lifestyle
- Tinnitus management strategies
At Audience Hearing, we don’t just fit hearing aids. We focus on personalised hearing solutions that fit into your daily life comfortably and discreetly. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or already wear hearing aids, we’re here to help you hear better with confidence.
How Long Does It Take?
The full hearing test procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your needs. You’ll leave with clear answers and helpful advice tailored just for you.
Do I Need a Referral?
In most cases, you don’t need a GP referral to book an appointment at our hearing test centre.
Begin Your Journey to Better Hearing
If you’ve been putting off getting a hearing test, now’s a great time to take control of your hearing health. An audiometry examination is a simple way to check how well you’re hearing and give yourself peace of mind.
At Audience Hearing, our caring team is ready to support you with professional, reliable hearing test services that are easy to understand and tailored to your needs.
Book your hearing test today and take the first step toward a clearer, more confident hearing.
