Diagnostic Hearing Tests

HEARING TESTS IN ABERDEEN & INVERNESS

Your Hearing Test

We offer comprehensive hearing tests using the most advanced diagnostic and fitting equipment. We follow industry recognised best practice testing processes & procedures, so you can be confident in your results and the advice that stems from them. We will also ask you about your medical history and questions around your lifestyle so we can understand your needs as much as possible, and any advice we give is tailored to you.

For every hearing test you should expect to be with us for a full hour.
Under our company policy we are unable to test anyone under the age of 18. For access to pediatric audiology, we recommend contacting your local NHS hospital or GP.

It is possible that if you are experiencing hearing loss, it may just be ear wax. We will look in your ears and advise if we think you would benefit from a wax removal service which we can offer via our specialist ENT consultant.

The testing procedure involves the following…

Pure tone testing (Audiometry)
Speech testing (Audiometry)
Tympanometry if indicated

Audiometry (Hearing Test)

This group of tests is plotted on an audiogram which shows your hearing sensitivity. It answers the question of whether or not hearing sensitivity is within normal range, or if there is a hearing loss or hearing sensitivity that is outside of the range of normal. The test results are also used as a tool to reveal any asymmetry (hearing sensitivity that is not equal between the two ears). The audiometric configuration (the “shape” of the thresholds) and the rest of the group of tests also give us information toward a diagnosis of ear abnormalities.

Speech Testing

This group of tests allows us to assess the impact that your hearing loss is having on your understanding of speech sounds. The test results are also used as a tool to reveal exactly how your loss is effecting your understanding of speech in both quiet and noisy situations. This test and the rest of the group of tests also give us information toward a diagnosis of ear abnormalities. This test is also an excellent tool for assisting us in the recommendation of suitable hearing aids because it allows us to define the sounds in speech that you have most difficulty with.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is only undertaken when it is indicated either in the questions about your general health or during your audiometry. This test measures how well your middle ear works. Your middle ear includes your ear drum, the middle ear bones, and your Eustachian tube. It will reveal abnormalities which will signify and can explain a conductive hearing loss and/or a sensation of pressure in the ear.

A Hearing Aid Recomendation

If your hearing test reveals a permanent hearing loss, a hearing aid may be recommended for one or both ears. Your hearing professional may explain what sounds you are not hearing and what a hearing aid(s) can do to help. It is usually at this appointment that you will get to see and touch different styles of hearing aids. In some cases, you may even be able to listen to a hearing aid. Your hearing professional will help you choose the best hearing aid(s) style, features and level of sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and financial circumstances. The final decision on which hearing aid(s) is purchased is your choice.

Once you make a decision, we can take impressions of your ears if you selected custom hearing aids or behind-the-ear hearing aids that require earmolds. The hearing aids will then be ordered from the manufacturer and then programmed by us to meet your specific hearing needs. This process can take a few weeks, so do not be disappointed when you do not receive your hearing aids the same day as your evaluation.