What to expect
Your appointment, step by step
What we actually measure
Inside the assessment
Video otoscopy
We look inside your ear canal with a tiny camera, so you see exactly what we see: wax, infection, or a clear canal.
Pure-tone audiometry
Through headphones, we find the quietest tone you can hear at each pitch, from low rumbles to high consonants, in both ears.
Speech-in-noise testing
A more real-world check: how well you follow speech against background noise, similar to a busy restaurant or family gathering.
Your audiogram, explained
We plot your results on a chart called an audiogram and talk you through it in plain English, with a written copy to keep.
If the otoscopy shows a build-up of wax, we'll talk you through ear wax removal options there and then. If your results point to a hearing loss, we'll explain what hearing aids could do for you, with no pressure to decide on the day.
Signs to look out for
When should you get tested?
- Asking people to repeat themselves often
- Turning the TV or radio up louder than others prefer
- Struggling to follow conversation in busy or noisy places
- A feeling of fullness, ringing, or muffled hearing
- You just want to know where you stand
Not ready to book yet?
Try our free 2-minute hearing check online first. No headphones needed.
Hearing test FAQ
Questions people ask
How long does a hearing test take at The Clevedon Hearing Clinic?
Allow 60 to 90 minutes. That covers a chat about your hearing and health, an ear health check, pure-tone and speech-in-noise testing, and time to explain your results properly.
Is the hearing test really free?
Yes. The full assessment is free and there is no obligation to buy anything. You get your results in plain English and you decide what, if anything, happens next.
Do I need a GP referral for a private hearing test?
No. You can book directly with us online or by phone. If we find anything that needs medical attention we will write to your GP with your permission.
What should I bring to my hearing test?
Just yourself, and any hearing aids you already wear. Many people bring a partner or friend, and we encourage it: a familiar voice makes the speech tests more meaningful.
Can I have a hearing test if I live in Portishead, Nailsea or Backwell?
Yes. Our Clevedon clinic is around 20 minutes from Portishead on the B3124 and around 15 minutes from Nailsea and Backwell. There is free parking directly outside, and we offer home visits if travelling is difficult.
How often should I have my hearing tested?
Every two years from your fifties onwards is a sensible rhythm, or sooner if you notice changes, have tinnitus, or work in noise. Hearing aid wearers are reviewed as part of their aftercare.
Will a hearing test tell me if I need hearing aids?
It will show whether you have a hearing loss, what type, and how much it affects speech. If hearing aids would help, we will say so and explain the options. If they would not, we will say that too.
Also serving
We welcome patients from across the area for free hearing tests, including Nailsea, Backwell, Portishead, Congresbury, Weston-super-Mare, Yatton and the surrounding villages.