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Hearing tests

This page is about hearing tests for children and adults. There's separate information about hearing screening tests for newborn babies.

Why a hearing test is done

A hearing test is done to check for hearing problems such as hearing loss.

It's important to find any hearing problems early so they can be treated or managed.

How to get an NHS hearing test

You can get a free hearing test and treatment on the NHS. A GP can refer you or your child to a hearing specialist (audiologist) who can do the test.

Children may also have a hearing test as part of their health and development reviews. Some children may have a hearing test when they start primary school, depending on where they live.

See a GP if:

  • you think your or your child's hearing is getting gradually worse
  • you or your child have had treatment for an ear infection or earwax build-up but your hearing has not come back

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you or your child have sudden hearing loss in 1 or both ears
  • your or your child's hearing has been getting worse over the last few days or weeks
  • you or your child have hearing loss along with other symptoms, such as earache or discharge coming out of the ear

Check symptoms on 111 online (for anyone aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).

Other ways to get a hearing test if you're aged 18 or over
Online hearing test

There are simple hearing tests online for adults aged 18 and over.

This can tell you if you need to have a face-to-face hearing test.

Check your hearing with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) free online hearing test

Pharmacies and opticians

Lots of large pharmacies and opticians have hearing specialists (audiologists) who can do hearing tests for adults aged 18 and over.

The test is often free, but you may have to pay for any treatment you might need (such as hearing aids).

What happens during a hearing test

A hearing test is done by a hearing specialist (audiologist). You usually have the test at a hospital or clinic, or a pharmacy or optician if you choose to go there.

You or your child may have a few different tests during your appointment to check if you have hearing loss and find out the cause.

A hearing test usually takes around 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on what tests you have.

Hearing tests for adults

There are different types of hearing tests for adults. Tests you may have include:

  • pure tone audiometry – you listen to different sounds through headphones and press a button or raise your hand each time you hear something
  • speech audiometry – similar to a pure tone audiometry test but you listen to speech rather than sounds
  • tympanometry – a small device is placed in your ear to check how well your eardrum is moving and if there is any blockage behind it that may be interfering with your hearing
Hearing tests for children

There are different types of hearing tests for children. The tests your child has depend on their age and development.

Tests they may have include:

  • visual reinforcement audiometry – your child listens to sounds and is taught to link the sound to a visual reward, such as a toy or computer screen lighting up, by turning their head towards it
  • play audiometry – your child listens to sounds and is asked to do a simple task, such as putting a ball in a bucket or completing a puzzle, when they hear the sound
  • pure tone audiometry – your child listens to different sounds through headphones and presses a button each time they hear something
  • tympanometry – a small device is placed in your child's ear to check how well the eardrum is moving and if there is any blockage behind it that may be interfering with their hearing
  • bone conduction test – a small vibrating device is placed behind the ear which passes sound to the inner ear through the bones in the head to check which part of the ear is not working properly if your child is having hearing problems
Getting your hearing test results

You usually get the results of your or your child's hearing test at the end of the appointment.

The hearing specialist will discuss the results with you and advise if more tests are needed.

If you're diagnosed with hearing loss, the hearing specialist will talk to you about your type of hearing loss and the best way to manage it.

Last Reviewed
15 November 2024
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Superintendent Pharmacist: Homa Gill (GPhC No. 2055545)
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