Book a FREE hearing test
Free Hearing Test in Felixstowe IP11
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Free hearing tests are available at Scarborows Opticians, along with all hearing care services. We have regular audiology clinics alongside our optical expertise. We can offer you specialist advice on hearing aids, as well as additional services such as ear wax removal and hearing protection. Our experts can help with a range of conditions and complaints, including tinnitus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hearing
Actually, you may be the last one to notice. Hearing loss mostly occurs over many years, so it’s easy to adjust to poor hearing by lip reading in noisy situations or turning up the volume on your TV. It means friends or family members may be first to spot your hearing problems. The earlier you get help for hearing loss, the better chance there is for effective treatment, so you need to be aware of the signs of hearing loss.
Some of the key signs of hearing loss include:
- It sounds as though people are mumbling when they speak
- You frequently have to ask people to repeat themselves
- You have to concentrate more while listening in conversations
- You’re listening to the TV at a volume that’s uncomfortable for others
Talking to someone about hearing loss can be a tricky and sensitive subject. It is common for people to dismiss your concerns and deny there is an issue with their hearing for some time. Try to plan the conversation and what you want to say, be compassionate and emphasise the positive outcomes.
Hearing starts with the brain.
• Our ears and brain work together, with our brain doing most of the hard work.
• Our brain uses neuro pathways to carry info from the ear to the brain.
• When our hearing is compromised, our brain has to work harder to fill in the blanks. This increases what’s called our ‘listening effort’.
• The extra work puts a strain on the brain, leaving us tired and frustrated.
• Plus, when you lose your hearing, your brain stops using those pathways (it’s a case of use it or lose it), which is known as auditory deprivation.
• This leads to a decline in how well your brain does other things e.g. memory and speech understanding.
• What’s more, not hearing well means people often choose to socialise less – as they can no longer follow or engage in the conversation. This can lead to social isolation and depression, which in themselves are recognised as increased risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Even mild hearing loss can make it hard to communicate. Yet many people don’t seek treatment due to embarrassment about using hearing devices. If you’re worried about this, don’t be. Modern hearing aids are stylish and discreet. They also attract far less attention than constantly asking people to repeat themselves. If you have any form of hearing loss, there is now a range of treatment options to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about a Hearing Test
All of our hearing assessments are free of charge.
A hearing assessment can last anything from 30 to 90 minutes. Our audiologists will give you as much time as you need to ensure that you get the best possible care and all the information you need out of your appointment.
First, you’ll meet one of our friendly and caring audiologists. They have years of experience helping people hear better and feel more connected to the world around them.
• First they’ll take a detailed medical and personal history relevant to your hearing.
• They’ll take time to understand your lifestyle and how you hear in different situations. The more you can tell them, the more they can help.
• They’ll then examine the health of your ear drums, measure the function of your middle ear, and perform a hearing test in order to detect what levels you hear particular frequencies.
• When it’s finished they’ll discuss the results and build a hearing plan with you.
Find out more about what happens in our free hearing assessments
If you’d like to, we think that’s a great idea. Having someone with you means you’ll feel at ease. It’s also useful for them to hear the information, too. Afterwards you can chat things through and make decisions together. It’s worth remembering that hearing loss affects those around you too, so they’ll be just as keen to support you on the journey to better hearing. Plus, if you decide to try a hearing aid when you are in your appointment, a familiar voice is always the best thing to hear, not least because you’ll notice an improvement immediately when they speak to you!
Our hearing changes over time. So it’s important to have it checked every two years, especially if: you’re asking others to repeat themselves more often; or you’re avoiding social situations where hearing can be an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about a Hearing Aids
Once you’ve had your hearing test, we’ll let you know. The audiologist will talk you through which types of hearing aid would be best for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Together you can create a hearing plan. You can try a hearing aid, to see what it feels and sounds like, too.
We stock all sorts of hearing aids. Some aids fit snugly inside your ear. Some aids tuck discreetly behind your ear. They come in a range of different styles and colours, as well as a range of technology levels depending on your individual requirements. With invisible, connected and rechargeable hearing aids all available, your audiologist can help you take your pick from the world’s most advanced hearing devices.
Find out more about hearing aids available – ADD LINK
The cost of your hearing aid depends on the make and model you choose. But we have devices to suit all budgets.
Plus:
• You can spread the cost – with our payment plan options.
• Enjoy free aftercare – including complimentary ear-wax removal.
• Free batteries for 3-5 years
• Free warranty for 3-5 years, with 100% peace of mind
Not at all. Hearing aids now come in several different styling options including Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) and Completely-In-Canal (CIC) – they are incredibly small and discreet to suit all preferences.
Yes. Hearing aids are designed to fit discreetly behind or inside the ear and will not interfere with your glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about a Ear Care
Ear wax should only ever be removed by a fully trained hearing care professional. Using a cotton bud can push the wax further into the ear canal. This could potentially damage your ear drum, which is vital for hearing well.
£95 for both ears.
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When deciding which type of hearing healthcare to opt for, whether it be private or NHS hearing care, there are a number of factors which could influence your decision. Everyone is different, and what may be suitable for you may not be right for somebody else. The most important thing is that you seek the right hearing care for you, so you can live life to the full.
Waiting times may be a factor you take into consideration when deciding whether to take the NHS or private hearing care route. At The Hearing Care Partnership, it will be reassuring to know that you can see one of our Audiologists quickly – usually within one week. Our local Audiologists have extended 90 minute consultations, meaning they can spend more time with you and get to know your specific needs. In terms of hearing aids, the NHS has a good range, and although they do provide basic hearing amplification, there are significant limitations in the technology and styles on offer. Independant hearing care at THCP can offer you the latest providers that can adjust, keeping all sounds comfortable and audible, and allow for a huge reduction in listening and mental effort.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about a Hearing Protection
Yes. As part of our hearing services we can create custom-made hearing protection and ear plugs for most activities and lifestyles, including swimming and shooting. We also provide specialist hearing protection for musicians, motorcyclists and more.
Yes. Our custom-made swimming ear plugs are priced from £79. They’re great to help avoid getting water in your ear and reduce the risk of infections.
We also sell prescription swimming goggles!