If you have booked your first hearing test, or you are thinking about it, it is completely normal to feel a little nervous. For most people it is something new, and not knowing what to expect can make it feel bigger than it is. So here is exactly what happens when you come to see us.
“The reception staff are so friendly and welcoming, which was helpful on my first visits when I was a little nervous.”
R Knight, Google review
Arriving at the clinic
We carry out hearing tests at our clinics in Colchester, Langham and West Mersea. When you arrive, our reception team will welcome you and let your clinician know you are here. You are very welcome to bring a partner, family member or friend with you. Many clients do. They often notice things you might not, and it helps to have a second person there when we explain your results.
It starts with a conversation
Before any testing, we sit down and talk. We will ask about your general health and about any difficulties you have noticed with your hearing. We want to understand the context you live and work in, the situations you find hardest, and why you felt that now was the time for a hearing test. That way, we can make sure your underlying concerns are fully addressed during the appointment.
Looking in your ears
Next, we look into your ears using video-otoscopy, a tiny camera that shows the inside of your ear canal and eardrum on a screen, so you can see what we see. Where it is needed, we also check how well your middle ear is working.
The hearing test itself
The test takes place in a quiet room, and part of it uses the sound booth we have in the clinic. You listen to a series of tones at different pitches and volumes, so we can find the quietest sounds you can hear. We also check how well you follow speech when there is background noise, because that is often where people first notice a problem. All you need to do is let us know when you hear something.
How long does a hearing test take?
Around 90 minutes. That might sound like a long time, but we do not rush. It gives us time to talk, to test properly and to explain your results so they make sense to you.
Your results, explained on the day
Your results are plotted on an audiogram, a chart of your own hearing pattern, and we explain it in plain terms during the same appointment. If your hearing is within normal limits, we will tell you. If we find a hearing loss, we will talk you through the options, which may or may not include hearing aids.
There is no obligation to buy anything. If you would like time to think things over, or to talk it through at home, that is absolutely fine.
If hearing aids are right for you
For many people, the fitting is the part that feels most unfamiliar. As one of our team puts it:
“It is normal to feel a bit nervous. Hearing technology is different to anything else you would have experience with and does feel like a bit of an unknown. The main thing to remember though is that we are happy to spend as much time with you as is needed to help you to adapt and feel fully comfortable with the technology we use. In fact, we won’t let you leave our practice with the devices unless we are both confident that you know what you are doing. We also see you at least every 2 weeks during your first 60 days to help you throughout the process and ensure that you are getting everything out of the devices that you can.”
The Hearing Care Centre team
“I was a little concerned as to first of all trying on hearing aids for the first time, especially at 26 years old. However the impact that I felt when trialling them out for the first time was incredible.”
Alex and Charlotte Manley, Google review
Who you will see
Hearing tests are carried out by our HCPC-registered hearing care team, including Oliver Wright and Steve Phillips at our Colchester clinic. From 16 November, Kenny Sams joins us too, bringing nearly 10 years of hearing care experience. You can read more about Kenny here.
Booking your hearing test
A full hearing test costs £65. During our Open Week, from 16 to 20 November 2026, hearing tests are free and appointments are limited, so please book early.
To book a hearing test in Colchester, Langham or West Mersea, call 01206 760839 or book online. Come let our family care for your family.
