Hearing plays an important role in our overall wellbeing

There is evidence linking untreated hearing loss with cognitive decline, and the more severe the hearing loss, the greater the risk posed. Research has shown, people with hearing loss who do not wear hearing aids, are at higher risk of developing dementia and depression. However, early diagnosis and treatment for hearing loss can help prevent cognitive decline and dementia, when it is associated with hearing impairment. So having your hearing tested regularly can pick up on the early stages of hearing loss. In the early stages of hearing loss you may not necessarily benefit from hearing aids, but you at least you can monitor your hearing changes over time and be ready for when the time does come for hearing aids. Hear Well Clinic does not sell hearing aids so you can be certain you will not feel pressurised into purchasing them. What you will receive is an honest and unbiased, professional opinion on your hearing levels.

Diagnostic Hearing Tests

Hearing Tests at Hear Well Clinic

Compared to other providers

Online hearing tests are more of a guide to your hearing and can give you an idea on whether your hearing should be checked more thoroughly. Online hearing tests can also be affected by noises in the environment where you are taking the test. Hear Well Clinic does not offer online hearing tests but instead offers complete and thorough hearing tests in a sound-proof booth, which can help in efficiently reducing external sounds to ensure the most accurate of hearing levels are recorded.

NHS hearing tests are free and if there is a need for your hearing to be tested your GP can refer you to your local NHS service for one. However, due to long waiting lists the wait for an appointment can be quite lengthy and then the appointment itself can feel quite rushed. If you want to have your hearing tested sooner and receive advice on how to best manage your hearing difficulties, then Hear Well Clinic can offer you this. Hear Well Clinic is run by an NHS trained Audiologist so you can be confident that the service you receive is in line with current best practices.

Other private audiology services may offer free hearing tests and will offer quicker access to a test compared to the NHS. However, they do make their money from selling private hearing aids. Hear Well Clinic does not sell hearing aids, so you can be certain that at your hearing test appointment you will not feel pressurised into purchasing expensive hearing aids, which you may not benefit from or be ready for. Also, as Hear Well Clinic is run by an NHS trained Audiologist, with over 16 years experience working in the field of Audiology, they are able to diagnose various types of hearing loss and impartially discuss treatment options with you.

Common signs of hearing loss

Hearing loss often happens gradually, so you might not notice it at first.

Here are some common signs to look out for:

Having to ask people to repeat themselves or misunderstanding what people say
Feeling that other people mumble
Finding it hard to follow conversation in noisy environments
Turning the TV/devices up louder than others want it
Struggling to hear on the telephone

Common causes of hearing loss

Age related hearing loss (presbycusis)

This type of hearing loss is primarily caused by the natural aging process that affects various parts of the auditory system. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People state that over half of all adults in the UK aged 55 or over, have some degree of hearing loss. With untreated hearing loss being a risk factor for developing Dementia, it is a good idea to have your hearing checked regularly, and especially so, if you or those around you have noticed changes to your hearing.

Noise exposure

Sudden loud noises can cause trauma to the ear and result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. However, in many cases, when you are exposed to loud noise over a prolonged period of time, such as through a noisy occupation or hobby, your hearing is likely to deteriorate gradually over many years.

Eustachian tube dysfunction or glue ear

The Eustachian tube is part of the middle ear and connects your ear to the back of your throat. One of its primary roles is to equalise the pressure behind the eardrum. However, when this fails to function correctly it can cause an increase in negative pressure behind the eardrum and can result in a build-up of fluid in the middle ear space. This fluid is a condition commonly referred to as glue ear. Hearing loss of this nature is often temporary and can resolve on its own, but in some cases, interventions are needed.

Earwax

Earwax can build up and cause a blockage in the ear canal that can prevent sound from reaching the eardrum. If you have a build-up of earwax you should attempt to soften this with olive oil, which you can purchase from a pharmacy. In a lot of cases the earwax will loosen & work its own way out of the ear canal. However, if your symptoms persist, you may need to seek professional help to have this removed safely and effectively. If you have had earwax removed and your hearing has not returned to normal you should consider having your hearing tested.

Ear infections

Ear infections usually come on quite quickly. If your ear is sore and has a liquid leaking from it (often smelly), it is a good indication it is infected. You may have a temperature and feel generally tired at this time. The NHS website offers advice on managing ear infections & when to consult your GP. During periods of an active ear infection, your hearing is likely to be muffled because of the discharge that is in your ear canal preventing sounds from reaching the eardrum. Once the infection has resolved your hearing is likely to return to what is normal for you. But if your hearing fails to recover once the infection has resolved it would be a good idea to have your ear examined and hearing checked.

Hearing plays an important role in our overall wellbeing

Diagnostic Hearing Tests

Hearing Tests at Hear Well Clinic

Common signs of hearing loss

Common causes of hearing loss

Have your hearing tested by an expert

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