Music to your ears
Finding it trickier to hear? Then you’ll welcome this sound advice from the experts…
THE chatter of grandchildren at family reunions, birds chirruping in the morning, enjoying a favourite tune… we all know how special life’s little moments are. But if it’s getting harder to hear the things you love, pop in to see the Specsavers team for a simple, stress-free check-up. Here Specsavers expert James Thomas reveals how to recognise hearing loss – and what to expect from a hearing test.
What are the signs that my hearing is changing?
Friends and family might let you know, saying you’ve got the TV volume up too high, you’re playing music too loud or you’re not listening to them. You’ll probably also find yourself cupping your ear and physically leaning into conversations to hear better, especially in busy places like restaurants, parties and shops.
Not being able to hear highpitched sounds, such as grandchildren talking or birds singing, is a sign you have high-frequency hearing loss. Struggling to hear deeper sounds like male voices suggests possible low-frequency hearing loss. You could also get “hearing fatigue” as concentrating hard to hear is extremely tiring. If you’re experiencing any of this, it’s well worth coming in for a test.
Are hearing tests free?
All Specsavers hearing tests are free. Half of our stores in England offer NHS-funded hearing aids – which you won’t pay for – with a GP referral.
What happens in a test?
The audiologist will ask you about your symptoms and concerns. Then they’ll use a small camera to check if sound can travel freely through your ears. Next they’ll test your hearing by playing sounds to you through headphones – just press a button every time you hear one. Wearing a special headband, you’ll also be checked to see how well your ears respond to sounds through vibration. If the results mean you need hearing aids, your audiologist will talk you through our state-of-theart digital devices for an aid that suits your prescription and lifestyle.
How often should I get my hearing checked?
Have a hearing test once a year if you’re over 40, and every two years if you’re under 40. That way we can spot changes to your hearing and handle any issues for you in good time.