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Nearly nine million people in the UK – one in seven, have a hearing problem. Its effects can be devastating, robbing people of their confidence and affecting their relationships with family and friends. For pre-school children, it is vital to pick up on any problems of hearing loss as soon as possible.

Holly House offers a comprehensive audiology service to determine the presence and nature of hearing loss. Tympanometry can also be carried out to assess middle ear function. Custom-made swim moulds are supplied as part of the treatment for glue ear. The service works closely with General Practitioners (GPs) and specialists such as Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants to manage your care.

Who needs a hearing test?

Around 80% of pre-school children will suffer from glue ear. Glue ear affects 80% of under-fives at some stage. Basic screening for hearing loss is carried out in state schools at this age. In some cases, if left untreated, the condition can have an adverse effect on a child’s educational and social development. If the condition is not detected and treated, children can get left behind during the vital stages of their speech and language development, with significant longer-term effects.

More than 50% of people over 60 years old have a hearing impairment. Hearing impairment is the second most common cause of disability in older people. Although the onset can be gradual, deteriorating hearing can have an adverse impact, causing social isolation leading to feelings of detachment and frustration.

It is not just the young and the elderly who can benefit from a complete assessment. We can offer diagnostic audiometry (a hearing test) to assess the degree of hearing loss at any age.

Around 20% of all young people are regularly exposed to dangerously loud music
Around 1.3 million people are exposed to potentially damaging noise in the workplace. Millions of young people risk their hearing at noisy clubs and bars and by listening to personal stereos at extreme noise levels.

What happens at a hearing test?
Audiometry tests for the quietest sounds a patient can hear. They are presented with high and low pitched tones through headphones and the patient is asked to respond to the stimuli. By decreasing the levels the tester can determine the quietest sounds a patient can hear. Young children respond by playing games such as throwing a brick into a box when they hear a sound. A school-aged child will usually be asked to press a button when they hear a sound presented through headphones.

How long will it take?
The whole process takes up to 20 minutes.

Who carries out the hearing test?
The hearing test is performed by a fully-qualified Audiologist in a dedicated audiology room.

When do I get my results?
The Audiologist will explain her findings at the end of the test and will give you a copy of her report for you to pass to your GP. Your GP will advise you if any further action is necessary, such as referral to an ear specialist. This can be at either your local NHS hospital or, alternatively we can arrange for you to be reviewed by a Consultant ENT surgeon at Holly House.

I would like to book an appointment
You may refer yourself or your child for a hearing test at Holly House. To book an appointment please call: 020 8936 1201

Ear care at Holly House
There are Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons practising every day at Holly House Hospital. Surgery is carried out in our three purpose-built, modern operating theatres using the latest technologies wherever appropriate. 

To book an appointment please call Outpatient appointments on 020 8936 1201