Hearing is one of our most important senses. 

It forms a vital part of our ability to communicate with others and maintain an awareness of our surroundings.

At Kingsbridge Hearing Care we offer hearing assessments to people presenting with suspected hearing loss for the first time and those with known hearing loss looking to explore options for new hearing solutions.

Does hearing loss affect everyone?  

1 in 6 adults in the UK is affected by hearing loss.      

Although hearing can deteriorate gradually as a normal part of ageing, there are many causes of hearing loss, more than half of which are preventable.  The faster a hearing loss is identified the sooner steps can be taken to address it.  

How do I know if I have a hearing loss?   

It is common for people to be unaware of subtle changes to hearing levels that occur over time as they often subconsciously develop coping strategies to compensate, like focusing more intently on facial expressions and gestures.  

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include:  

• Misunderstanding conversations  
• Asking people to repeat what they have said  
• Having to concentrate more when people are talking  
• Difficulty following conversations in noisy situations   
• Watching TV at a higher volume others find loud  
• Issues hearing on the phone  
• Difficulty hearing in the car   

Check your hearing 

While there is no replacement for a professional consultation, our 5-minute online hearing screener can provide quick, useful feedback about your hearing and indicate if you would benefit from a hearing aid assessment with one of our Audiologists.  

Online Hearing Screener

Are hearing tests available on the NHS?  

Yes, hearing tests are available on the NHS, a GP referral is required to access these services.  

Adults with symptoms of gradual onset hearing loss may be referred directly to Audiology while adults with other/additional symptoms and children are referred to Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) departments.    

Audiology and ENT Service provision and waiting times can vary between Health Care Trusts, your local GP surgery should be able to provide you with information on services available in your area.  

Do I need a GP referral to book a hearing assessment at Kingsbridge Hearing Care?  

You do not need a GP referral to book a hearing assessment appointment with Kingsbridge Hearing Care.    

How much does a hearing assessment cost?  

A hearing assessment at Kingsbridge Hearing Care costs £85 .

How can I book an appointment?

You can book an appointment by completing our hearing assessment enquiry form or get in touch via our Contact Us Page.

Can I bring a friend or family member to my appointment?

  Yes, you are welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment. 

Is there anything I should do before my appointment?

When you book an appointment, you will be sent a link to a hearing pre assessment form with questions about your medical history and current symptoms.  Please complete this before attending the clinic.    

Do I need to see an Audiologist or an ENT consultant?  

Audiologists in Kingsbridge Hearing Care are specialised in diagnosing and offering treatment options for hearing loss.  If a referrable condition requiring medical investigation is identified during your assessment, your audiologist will discuss the findings with you and an onward referral can be made (either privately or via your GP) to see an ENT specialist.  

Is there anything I can do to prevent hearing loss?  

Protect your hearing  

Our ears are exposed to a variety of sounds every day. Noises of 85dB(A) or louder can harm your hearing, the louder the noise, the less time it takes to cause damage.   Many DIY tools and gardening equipment like lawnmowers or power washers produce noise greater than 90dB(A) so it is important to wear ear protection when carrying out these tasks.  

Over the ear hearing protection can be found in most hardware stores, at Kingsbridge Hearing Care, we offer a range of instant fit and custom ear protection products click here for more information.  

Keep your ears dry   

Swimmer’s ear is the common term for water related infections in the ear canal.  Swimming in pools, the sea or even showering can allow water or moisture to become trapped in the ear canal, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and develop into an infection.   

  Some people find towel drying their ears after exposure to water is sufficient to protect against infection.  Water resistant products like swimming caps and custom-made ear swim plugs can provide additional protection.  Click here to find out more about our custom swim plug range.   

Enjoy music safely    

Repeatedly listening to music at overly loud volume levels can cause noise-induced hearing loss.  This type of hearing loss is preventable but is irreversible once it occurs. Volume can be set at a safe level on personal audio devices by setting the volume to a comfortable level in a quiet environment at no more the 60% of the maximum volume.  

Avoid smoking  

Smoking is associated with a higher risk of hearing loss due to the effect carbon monoxide and nicotine have on the ears, nose and throat, it also reduces blood supply to delicate structures within the inner ear.  

Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear  

The use of foreign objects (like cotton buds), ear candles and DIY earwax removal devices available online are not recommended due to lack of effectiveness and potential risk of harm.    

Hearing Assessment Enquiry

Part of The Kingsbridge Healthcare Group