In this blog, we are going to outline what a hearing assessment with Friel Hearing typically includes.
More than ten million people in the UK have a degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can affect one or both ears and may be mild, moderate, severe or profound.
Unfortunately, the effect that hearing loss has on communication can significantly impact someones personal and work life. Hearing aids can help many people with hearing loss. But first, a hearing assessment must be carried out to determine whether or not an individual has hearing loss.
Signs Of Hearing Loss
Common signs of hearing loss include:
- Regularly feeling like people are mumbling or talking too softly during conversation
- Wanting the TV volume to be louder even when other people can hear it
- Struggling to understand people when talking on the phone or when you cannot see their face
- Having to frequently ask people to repeat themselves, especially in noisy situations
- Being able to hear people yet struggling to understand them
- Struggling to work out where sounds are coming from
- Experiencing a persistent ringing sound
If any of these symptoms seem familiar you should book a hearing assessment as soon as possible.
A Hearing Assessment With Friel Hearing
Friel Hearing Services provides a range of professional hearing services in Lancashire, including hearing assessments, microsuction ear wax removal and hearing aids.
Andrew Friel is a fully-qualified and highly skilled audiologist with a wealth of experience.
Our hearing assessments use the very latest, high specification, diagnostic equipment. They cost £50 (in-clinic) and £75 (at-home appointment). A typical hearing assessment with Friel Hearing includes:
- A medical questionnaire and comprehensive history tasking
- Video Otoscopy – This allows you to view a video image within your ear. The video otoscopy may find that a build-up of wax is present in the ear canal. This buildup of wax may be causing hearing loss. We can offer a quick and safe ear wax removal service using microsuction technology. So, you don’t need a GP referral for wax removal!
- Sound insulating headphones are used to reduce ambient noise levels that may be present. They also allow specialist high-frequency hearing testing.
- Tympanometry – Impedance testing is used to assess the condition of the middle ear more accurately.
- A comprehensive explanation of results – each client receives a copy of their Audiogram for their own records.
- If hearing loss is confirmed, you will be given the opportunity to try the Master Hearing Aid, which will demonstrate the benefits of amplification.
What Can A Hearing Assessment Determine?
A hearing assessment will determine whether or not you have a degree of hearing loss. It may be that your hearing loss symptoms are caused by a build-up of wax, which can be removed safely and gently.
Alternatively, it may determine that you would benefit from hearing aids to amplify sounds and help you in your day to day life.
Can I Have A Hearing Assessment At Home?
Yes! Andrew Friel Hearing Services offers at-home hearing assessments. In fact, all of our services can be carried out from the comfort of your own home. This means you can have micro suction wax removal at home or have your hearing aids fitted.
At-home appointments are ideal for elderly, disabled and vulnerable people that may struggle to leave the home. They are also popular for people who would prefer to stay home due to the COVID-19 virus.
Alternatively, you can have a hearing assessment at one of our two clinics. Friel Hearing has a clinic in Blackburn and a clinic in Poulton-le-Fylde. You can contact our clinics here.
What Happens If I Need Hearing Aids?
If a hearing assessment determines that you have a degree of hearing loss, you will have the opportunity to try the Master Hearing Aid. This will give you an idea of what hearing amplification can do for you.
We will then discuss the hearing aids options and recommend the best hearing aids for you based on our knowledge and experience and your preferences. There are various types of hearing aids, including tiny, discreet hearing aids that are almost invisible.
At Friel Hearing, we have a range of hearing aids available to suit every budget, with small ‘in the Ear’ custom made instruments starting from just £595.00.
Better yet, we offer a 60-day free trial! You simply pay a deposit and try out your new hearing aids for 60 days – if you don’t love them, you can return them and get your deposit back.
Get In Touch
If you live in the Lancashire area and would like to book a private hearing assessment with Friel Hearing, get in touch with our team today. You can call us on 0800 111 4779 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, fill out our contact form.
