Hearing tests
Hearing tests are used to assess your ability to hear different sounds and to determine if there are any problems.
Hearing tests are carried out for two main reasons:
It's important hearing tests are carried out so the right support and treatment can be provided.
Hearing tests are carried out at regular intervals during childhood, starting with the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) within a few weeks of birth.
Your child's hearing may also be checked during a general health review when they are a few years old and before they start school for the first time.
If you're worried about any hearing problems, you can ask your GP for a hearing test.
This is known as conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by problems such as:
Conductive hearing loss caused by these problems is often temporary and reversible.
If sounds reach the inner ear but are still not heard, the fault lies in the inner ear or (rarely) in the hearing nerve. This is called sensori-neural hearing loss.
Sensori-neural hearing loss may occur for a number of reasons, most commonly as a result of age-related change. This sort of hearing loss is nearly always permanent.
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Hearing tests are used to assess your ability to hear different sounds and to determine if there are any problems.
Hearing tests are carried out regularly during childhood to identify any problems as soon as possible. Adults can ask their GP for a hearing test
A hearing test is usually carried out after your ears have been examined and you have been referred to a specialist.