Private hearing test in Lincoln

Private hearing tests at Lincoln Private Hospital in Lincoln 

Changes in your hearing can develop gradually, making them easy to miss at first. 

You may notice yourself increasing the volume on the television, asking others to repeat themselves, or finding it harder to follow conversations in loud environments. 

At Lincoln Private Hospital, you can access private hearing tests in Lincoln with fast appointments and a clear explanation of your results.  

Get help with an expert 

Your hearing assessment is carried out by experienced audiologists who specialise in identifying and managing hearing-related conditions. 

They are trained to assess how well you hear sounds and speech, and to recognise patterns that may indicate specific types of hearing loss. 

From the moment you arrive, your appointment is designed to be thorough, informative, and tailored to your individual needs. You will have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms in detail, ask questions, and fully understand your results in a comfortable and supportive environment.

How much does a private hearing test cost at Lincoln Private Hospital? 

The cost of your hearing test will depend on various factors, from the type of test you have and the symptoms being investigated, to which consultant you choose.  

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover. 

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR. 

What is a hearing test for? 

A hearing test is designed to assess how well you hear different sounds, tones, and speech. It helps determine whether you have hearing loss, what type of hearing loss is present, and how severe it may be. 

Hearing tests are not only used to confirm hearing loss.  

They can also help investigate symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears), ear fullness, or balance-related concerns.  

By identifying the underlying issue, your audiologist can recommend the most appropriate next steps. 

What happens during a hearing test? 

Your hearing test begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and any factors that may be affecting your hearing. 

You may be asked: 

• When you first noticed changes in your hearing 
• Whether one or both ears are affected 
• If you experience tinnitus or dizziness 
• Whether you have been exposed to loud noise 
• If you have had previous ear infections or hearing problems 

This information helps your audiologist understand your symptoms and plan the most appropriate assessment. 

Ear examination 

Your appointment may begin with a physical examination of your ears using a small handheld device called an otoscope. This allows your audiologist to look inside your ear canal and assess your eardrum. 

This step can help identify simple causes of hearing changes, such as earwax build-up or infection, before moving on to further testing. 

Regular hearing tests 

You will then undergo a series of hearing tests in a quiet, controlled environment. These tests are painless and non-invasive. 

They may include: 

• Listening to tones at different pitches and volumes through headphones 
• Indicating when you hear specific sounds 
• Speech testing to assess how well you understand spoken words 

These assessments help measure your hearing ability accurately and identify any areas of difficulty. 

Middle ear assessment 

In some cases, additional tests may be carried out to assess how well your eardrum and middle ear are functioning. 

These tests can help detect issues such as fluid build-up, pressure changes, or reduced movement of the eardrum, all of which can affect your hearing. 

Once your assessment is complete, your audiologist will explain your results clearly and discuss any recommended next steps. 

How long does a hearing test take?

A hearing test appointment typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. This allows enough time for a full discussion, thorough testing, and a clear explanation of your results. 

The exact length of your appointment will depend on your symptoms and whether additional tests are required. You will not be rushed, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout. 

What types of hearing loss can a hearing test identify? 

Hearing tests can identify different types of hearing loss, each with its own causes and treatment considerations. 

Conductive hearing loss

This type of hearing loss occurs when sound cannot pass effectively through the outer or middle ear. It is often caused by issues such as earwax build-up, fluid in the middle ear, or infections. In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be treated, and hearing may improve once the underlying cause is addressed. 

Sensorineural hearing loss 

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by changes in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It is often associated with ageing, noise exposure, or certain medical conditions. 

This type of hearing loss is usually permanent, but it can often be managed effectively with appropriate support. 

Mixed hearing loss 

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This means there may be more than one contributing factor affecting your hearing. 

Identifying this type of hearing loss helps ensure that all underlying causes are considered when planning your treatment. 

Next steps after your appointment 

Depending on your results, this may include referral to an ENT specialist, treatment for underlying conditions, or advice on hearing aids if appropriate. 

The aim is to ensure you leave your appointment with a clear understanding and a structured plan moving forward. 

An ENT specialist, also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor, is a medical consultant who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat. They have specialist expertise in managing a wide range of issues, including hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, and problems affecting your sinuses or voice. 

In many cases, an audiologist and ENT specialist work closely together.  

For example, an audiologist might identify hearing loss during testing and refer you to an ENT specialist if there is a medical cause that needs surgical treatment to treat the internal structure of your ear. Likewise, an ENT specialist may refer you back to an audiologist for hearing aids or longer-term hearing support 

Hearing aids 

You might be advised that you need hearing aids. Getting fitted for hearing aids is a simple, step-by-step process designed to ensure your devices are comfortable and effective. 

Once your hearing has been assessed, your audiologist will talk you through the different types of hearing aids available. This includes styles, sizes and features, such as rechargeable batteries or noise reduction technology.  

If you go ahead, the hearing aids will be programmed specifically for you using your test results. This ensures that sounds are amplified appropriately and comfortably, rather than simply made louder. In some cases, a mould of your ear may be taken to create a more customised fit, particularly for certain styles of hearing aid. 

At your fitting appointment, your audiologist will show you how to insert, remove, and care for your hearing aids. They will also make sure the fit is comfortable and adjust the settings if needed. You’ll have time to ask questions and get used to how the devices feel and sound. 

As you adjust to wearing hearing aids, your audiologist can fine-tune the settings and provide support in follow-up appointments to help you get the best possible results. With the right fit and ongoing care, hearing aids can make a significant difference to your hearing, communication, and overall quality of life. 

Cochlear implants

Cochlear implants are small electronic devices that are used to treat moderate to profound hearing loss. They are made up of two parts: an external (outside) part and an internal (inside) part that is implanted under your skin. 

Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, cochlear implants work by directly stimulating your cochlear nerve (the nerve from your ear to your brain), which sends signals to your brain, allowing you to perceive and process sound. 

Cochlear implants may be used for people with hearing loss caused by problems in the inner ear. Most people with this type of hearing loss have a functioning cochlear nerve, but the nerve endings (hair cells) in the part of the inner ear called the cochlea, are damaged. 

A cochlear implant bypasses the damaged part of your ear and sends sounds (electrical impulses) directly to your hearing nerve (the cochlear nerve). You may have cochlear implants in one (unilateral cochlear implant) or both ears (bilateral cochlear implants).  

Why choose Lincoln Private Hospital for your hearing test in Lincoln? 

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:  

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule 
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs  
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end  
• Transparent, fixed-price packages with aftercare included  
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care 

Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care.  

How to book a hearing test in Lincoln

To book a consultation to discuss a hearing test with an audiologist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.