What to Expect During Your First Hearing Test

If you've been putting off a hearing test, you're not alone. Many people wait longer than they should, often out of uncertainty about what the appointment actually involves. The good news is that the process is straightforward, painless, and by the end you'll have a clear picture of your hearing health.

Here's what happens when you come to us for a hearing assessment at our Golders Green clinic.

How Long Will It Take?

Your first hearing appointment takes around an hour. That might sound like a lot, but a thorough assessment takes time — we're not simply running a quick check and sending you on your way. We take time to understand your lifestyle, any concerns you have, and the specific situations where you've noticed your hearing isn't quite what it used to be.

Before the Test Begins

Before we examine your ears, we'll have a conversation with you. We want to hear from you directly — whether that's struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments, asking people to repeat themselves, or noticing one ear seems clearer than the other. There's no need to bring medical notes; just come as you are.

You are welcome to bring a family member or friend. They often notice things you may have adapted to over time, and they're welcome to sit in on the appointment.

The Assessment Itself

Your hearing test takes place in a soundproofed booth, using professional audiology equipment. The assessment has a few stages.

First, we'll ask you to wear headphones and press a button each time you hear a sound. The sounds vary in pitch and volume, helping us map out the full range of your hearing.

Next, we'll ask you to wear a special headband. This tests bone conduction — in other words, how well sound travels through the bones of your skull to reach the inner ear. It sounds more unusual than it is, and it's completely comfortable.

We also use a speech-in-noise test called QuickSIN. This measures how well you can follow speech when there's background noise present — one of the most common complaints people come to us with. It gives us a much more realistic picture of how your hearing performs in everyday situations, rather than just in a quiet room.

What Happens After the Test?

As soon as the assessment is complete, we'll talk you through the results. We won't use clinical jargon or rush you out the door. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what the results show and what, if anything, they mean for you.

Not everyone who comes in for a hearing test needs a hearing aid. If your results suggest your hearing is within a normal range, we'll tell you. If there are signs of hearing loss, we'll explain the degree and type, and talk through what your options are. You're never under any pressure or obligation at that stage.

If hearing aids are recommended, we'll work with you to understand which type would suit your specific hearing needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. We work with leading manufacturers including Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, Widex, and Signia, and as an independent practice, our recommendation is always based on what's right for you — not tied to any particular brand.

Do You Need a GP Referral?

No. You can book directly with us, just as you would with an optician or dentist. If you'd prefer not to wait weeks for an NHS assessment, a private hearing test with us costs £90 at our Golders Green clinic, with results available immediately on the day.

For those who can't travel to us, home visits are available across N, NW, HA, EN, and WD postcodes, starting from £100.

Book Your Hearing Assessment in North London

If you've noticed any changes to your hearing — or simply want peace of mind — booking a hearing test is a sensible first step. Our clinics in Golders Green and Potters Bar are open Sunday to Thursday 8am–8pm and Friday 8am–3pm, with same-day appointments often available if you call before 5pm.

Call us free on 0800 781 0422, or get in touch via our website to arrange a time that works for you.