Hearing Aids at Trade members all offer free hearing tests and if a hearing loss is found to be present, we will also offer a free live hearing aid demonstration. Hearing Aids at Trade recognize that hearing aids on rare occasions, may not always provide ample benefits for the user and for this reason we understand that a live demonstration is needed in order to prove benefit before you commit yourself fully.
Hearing tests must always be carried out by a fully trained H.C.P.C.registered Hearing Aid Dispenser (R.H.A.D.), to determine whether a hearing loss is present. The purpose of a hearing test is to determine a person’s threshold of hearing by measuring and recording the quietest sounds that a person can hear in each ear at a range of tones that are only relevant to understanding speech.
After the hearing test is completed, your dispenser will explain your results in terms of what they mean and what the implications are to you. Once the degree of the hearing loss is established, along with your case history, the dispenser will be able to discuss the best options that are available to you. If you felt ready to act positively about your hearing loss, one option would be to go to your G.P. and be referred to the N.H.S. to have hearing aids fitted for free. Hearing Aids at Trade always promote the N.H.S. as a possible solution but do be aware that there is a waiting list and when you do finally have them fitted, the technology and cosmetic options are not the same. Hearing aid manufacturers currently supply both to the N.H.S. and private sector and you should be aware that although N.H.S. hearing aids are all digital, they are generally two or three generations behind. What this means is that private hearing aids will offer a more up to date and advanced solution for your hearing loss.
The equipment used for testing called an Audiometer and many people are often surprised that the equipment is portable.Some audiometers are integrated with our Hearing Aid Dispenser’s laptops. Under H.P.C. regulations all hearing test equipment must be calibrated yearly to ensure the accuracy of results.
Before a hearing test can be carried out our Dispensers will examine your ears internally using an otoscope. This is to check the general health of the ears and also to make sure that wax is not causing the problem. Some of our Hearing Aid Dispensers have a Video Otoscope so both the Hearing Aid Dispenser and the client can see the inside of the ears on a lap top screen.
Speech tests are sometimes carried out either when quiet or in noise, to help assess what is being heard and what is not.
Tuning fork tests are also sometimes carried out to back up the audiometric results. One of these tests is called the Weber test where the Dispenser strikes the tuning fork and places the tuning fork in the middle of your forehead. This test shows if your residual hearing is equally balanced. The second test is known as the Rinne test and is carried out by placing the vibrating tuning fork on the bone behind the ear (mastoid process) and is then brought to the outside of the ear (pinna) to establish which one is louder. This test will help to show whether the hearing loss is potentially a conductive or sensory neural hearing loss.
Some companies conduct a hearing test whist the client is in a sound proof booth or room. When the hearing test is conducted in your own home the appointment should be arranged at a convenient time for you so there are no distractions like phones or other people walking around.
All Hearing Aid Dispensers who work with Hearing Aids At Trade are fully qualified, and are registered with the H.C.P.C. and all hearing tests are carried out to strict guidelines.
For further in formation call us today free on 0800 0304 542
