Express Diagnostics - Hearing Tests
Hearing problems are common especially as we get older, something that we treat as a fact of life. But for those who suffer from hearing loss, it can have a large impact on a person's quality of life. Hearing difficulties can lead to communication problems and a reduction in everyday activities.
Express Diagnostics carries out diagnostic hearing testing and hearing aid fitting for the NHS, providing a top quality service and helping to reduce patient waiting times. At our clinic we have dedicated sound proofed Audiology suites utilising the latest testing equipment. This service is also open to private as well NHS patients, where we can offer you the very best hearing testing facilities as well as access to state of the art hearing aid technology.
Who will I see?
During your appointment you will be seen by a Registered Audiologist
Are there any risks?
Hearing tests and all related procedures are painless and there are no risks.
How long will it take?
30-60 minutes, depending on the type of appointment.
When will I get the results?
Your results will be discussed with you at your first appointment, and if a hearing aid may be of benefit, arrangements will be made for further testing or for fitting of a hearing aid.
How long will I have to wait for my hearing aids?
Currently the wait is between one and four weeks
Am I required to make any special preparations?
There are no specific preparation requirements prior to your appointment.
There is also a telephone number for you to call if you have any questions or
concerns about your appointment/s.
What’s the difference between analogue and digital aids?
Analogue hearing aids amplify sound signals picked up by a microphone and convert them into small electrical signals. These signals are transmitted into the ear at a greater volume. They can be altered according to the needs of the individual user within the limits of the analogue technology.
The new hearing aids use digital technology. These are quite different from analogue hearing aids. They have a digital sound processing unit, which is like a mini computer. It can amplify speech sounds with greater clarity and can be programmed. This means that digital hearing aids can be individually adjusted to suit the specific user.
Will a digital hearing aid give me back my normal hearing?
No, a digital hearing aid can provide a hearing-impaired person with an improved and more pleasant sound. But it cannot bring back normal hearing.
Does a digital hearing aid cut out all background noise?
No, digital hearing aids focus mainly on speech frequencies, which means good quality of speech. Because they are focusing on these frequencies they don’t amplify the lower frequency background noise as much.
Background noise cannot be completely removed, even people who have normal hearing will struggle in some noisy situations.
Some digital hearing aids have two separate microphones, one facing toward the front and the other facing toward the back, which can effectively minimise distracting noise from the back while emphasising the desired signal from the front.
Does a digital aid only amplify speech?
Compared to analogue hearing aids, digital hearing aids provide dramatically better sound quality. They can be tailor-made to suit people's individual hearing loss and listening requirements.
They are also designed to make communication easier. Speech is a complex signal to process, but digital technology treats the signal more effectively, without adding unwanted elements, so speech can stay much more focused. Digital hearing aids are set to amplify those speech frequencies most needed by the individual user.
Hearing Tests
Heart Tests
Health Monitoring
