What to expect at your M&S Opticians hearing check

At M&S Opticians we are passionate about hearing care. Hearing is a vital sense that we should monitor the health of – as you would your eyes. That's why we offer free hearing health checks as part of our service. We understand that with better hearing you can make the most of the world around you.

We recommend an annual hearing screening for anyone over 50 and every two years for anyone over 40. We include a hearing screening in every eye test for people over 40 years of age so you can take care of your eyes and ears in one smooth appointment. A hearing screening is a quick hearing check to get a high level understanding of your hearing.

What happens during a hearing screening?

We will simply play you a series of sounds at different frequencies to understand if you have any hearing impairment. Each ear will be tested and you’ll receive either green, amber or red for each ear. If your results are amber or red we will recommend booking for a full hearing health check.

What happens at a full hearing health check

If you have never had a hearing test before, we are here to help you on your hearing journey, every step of the way. Hearing tests cause no discomfort and are relatively simple. Your Hearing Aid Audiologists will explain your results after the tests, so you're able to understand your current hearing requirements and the recommended solutions.

Your full hearing health check will include various elements which we go into further depth below, including a discussion with your audiologist about your general health and any hearing problems you may be experiencing. Your audiologist will then check the health of your ears followed by checks of the level of your hearing. 

How to prepare for your full hearing assessment

If you have booked your appointment in store you will be given a pre-test questionnaire to help our hearing aid audiologist to understand how your hearing impacts your lifestyle. 

Your free hearing health check starts with your audiologist asking you about your medical background. That’s why it’s useful to have gathered some information about any health conditions and medications that you’re taking. You can also write down any particular times when you have trouble with your hearing or certain words that you’ve noticed you have difficulty understanding.

We encourage you to write down any questions you may have before attending your hearing test. If you have lots of questions, you may forget them when you’re taking the test. Before or after your hearing test, whenever appropriate, you can ask your questions and get the answers you need.

Questions may include

If you book online, you'll be given a pre test questionnaire when you arrive for your appointment. So you have time to consider the answers, here are some of the questions you'll be asked: 

  • Have family or friends ever commented on your hearing?
  • Do you ever have to ask people to repeat themselves?
  • Any other situations in your day to day life where you would like to hear better?

Your first appointment usually takes around an hour. If possible bring a friend or family member to this appointment, as a familiar voice is a useful reference during your hearing assessment.

As we mentioned above, you’re hearing audiologist will take the time to discuss your hearing challenges and your medical history. 

Physical ear examination

The audiologist will first check the overall health of the ears using an Otoscope (a tiny camera) to examine your ears and check for earwax, any foreign objects which could be blocking your ear canals, and any damage to your eardrum, including infections, and other abnormalities. If they find a potential cause of hearing loss at this stage, you may be referred for alternative treatment such as Wax Removal or a GP appointment. 

Physical ear examination

Hearing evaluation

After the physical ear examination, we will then check your level of hearing. You will be given headphones to wear, which will be connected to a machine that will deliver a series of sounds at various volumes to your ears, one ear at a time.

When you hear a sound, the audiologist will instruct you to raise your hands. If you hear a sound with your left ear, you need to raise your left hand; if you hear a sound with your right ear, you need to raise your right hand. Each tone will be recorded at the lowest possible volume that you can hear.

Hearing evaluation

Reading your results

Right after the assessment, your hearing aid audiologist will explain the results, and if required their recommended solutions based on your lifestyle and needs. At this point, if you are considering hearing aids, they may demonstrate one to you to provide an understanding of the difference they can have.

Reading your results

Book a hearing assessment with M&S Opticians

At M&S Opticians, we take our time in order to make your experience as comfortable as possible. We want to ensure that as you leave, all of your questions have been answered.

 

Book your appointment today.