Book a free hearing test near you.
Our free, no obligation hearing test takes place at an independent opticians near you. Taking between 30 to 90 minutes, your results are explained on the day.
No GP referral needed · No obligation · 30-90 minutes

The short answer
What is a free hearing test?
A free hearing test, also called a free hearing assessment, is an appointment with a registered audiologist that checks how well you hear and how healthy your ears are. It usually includes a look inside your ears, tests with tones and speech, and your results explained on the day. With us it’s free for adults, with no obligation.
- We check your hearing and your ear health
- Carried out by a registered audiologist, with calibrated equipment
- Results explained in plain English, straight away
Cost and eligibility
How much does a hearing test cost?
Nothing. Our free hearing assessment costs nothing for any adult, at every one of our practices.
There’s no obligation to buy hearing aids or book ear wax removal, even if your audiologist recommends them. Our job is to assess your hearing, give you expert advice and help you decide what to do next.
A charge may apply only if you ask for a written report of your results for non-medical reasons.

During your hearing test
What happens during a hearing test?
A hearing test is a simple, comfortable way to check the health of your ears and understand how well you’re hearing. We’ll guide you through everything at your pace, explain your results clearly, and talk through any next steps.
- 1
We get to know you
A conversation about your hearing, your health and the situations you find hardest and where you want to improve.
- 2
Ear health check
We look inside your ears and show you the images. We check for wax, infection or anything needing a GP.
- 3
Hearing assessment
Tones, speech and middle-ear tests in a quiet room, using calibrated equipment.
- 4
Results and recommendation
We go through your audiogram together and agree what, if anything, to do next.
We recommend it
Bring along a friendly face
A partner, friend or family member is very welcome to join you for any of our hearing tests.
A second pair of ears
There’s a lot to take in. They can help you remember your results and what your audiologist recommends.
They’ve noticed things too
Family often spot changes first, like the TV volume or missed conversations. What they’ve noticed helps build the full picture.
Someone to talk it through with
No decision is needed on the day. Having someone there makes it easier to think about next steps together.
What’s included
Three levels of free hearing test.
Our free hearing assessment comes in three levels, from a quick check to our most thorough test. You don’t need to choose: when you book, a few quick questions about your hearing match you to the right one.
- 30 minutes
Initial hearing test
A simple first step if you’ve no particular concerns, or if you’re helping someone you love take a first look at their hearing.
- A chat about any hearing difficulties
- Where and when you’d like to hear more clearly
- Ear health check with images of your ear canals
- Hearing screening
- Advice on next steps if needed
- 60 minutes
Complete hearing test
For anyone who’s finding conversations take more effort than it used to, or has had it pointed out by the people around them.
- Everything in the initial hearing test
- More time to talk through your lifestyle and listening needs
- Middle ear function test (tympanometry)
- A full assessment of your hearing thresholds
- How any hearing loss is affecting your day-to-day life
- Personalised recommendations based on your results
- 90 minutes
Ultimate hearing test
Our most thorough hearing test. Time to understand exactly what’s changed, how it’s affecting you day to day, and what would make the biggest difference.
- Everything in the complete hearing test
- A detailed look at where you’d like to hear better
- Input from a family member or partner, if you’d like
- Advanced assessment of your hearing in noisy, complex listening situations
- A further look at how hearing solutions could help you
- Recommendations built around your lifestyle and long-term goals
After your hearing test
Hearing test results, explained on the day.
Whatever the result, you’ll understand your hearing and your options before you go home.

- Your results explained in plain English, on the day
- A short written summary of what we found
- A clear recommendation, which may be no action at all
- Time to think: no obligation, and no pressure to decide on the day
If your test finds hearing loss
What happens if hearing loss is found?
Hearing loss is very common, and there are effective ways to treat it. Your audiologist will explain what your results mean, and there’s never any pressure to decide on the day.
Hearing aids
Your audiologist will explain what we’ve found and, if hearing aids would help, talk you through the options that suit your hearing, your lifestyle and the situations that matter most to you.
We’re 100% independent, so we’re not tied to one manufacturer. Today’s hearing aids are smaller and smarter than ever, with a 60-day money-back guarantee to allow you to try them in your day-to-day life. Ask us anything about features, costs and payment plans.
Ear wax removal
If wax build-up is affecting your hearing, we can remove it with manual removal, microsuction or water irrigation, whichever is best for your ears.
Ear wax removal costs £70 and takes about 30 minutes in practice.
Who you’ll see
Your hearing test is with a registered audiologist.
Every hearing assessment is carried out by a qualified, registered audiologist, working to one clinical standard at every practice. These are some of the people you could see.
Who we are
Hearing care inside independent opticians
The Hearing Care Partnership puts qualified audiologists into independent opticians across the UK. You’re seen in a practice you know, by a registered audiologist, with our clinical team behind them. We’re part of Leightons, a family business since 1928.
- partner practices
- 450+
- family-run since
- 1928
- from 1,900+ reviews
- 4.8
Some of the opticians we work in. Find your nearest practice →
Hear it from our patients.
5 out of 5
Audiologist Appointment
Audiologist Appointment - Shepton Mallet. I booked an apt following a recommendation to investigate my muffled ear with an audiologist. I was dreading the appointment as it would be the first time to have any kind of hearing test.
DPTrustpilot
5 out of 5
My hearing test was thorough
My hearing test was thorough, professional and friendly. All the tests were explained clearly. At the end the audiologist did not recommend a hearing aid, which I was pleased about. I can recommend.
JeannieTrustpilot
5 out of 5
I can hear again!
I got an ear wax removal here and the audiologist was very kind, helpful, and thorough. We used a mix of microsuction and water-removal and I think combining the two allowed for a more flexible treatment. My ears are nice and clear now and my hearing has improved a lot.
Phoebe HobbsTrustpilot
Book online or by phone
Book your free hearing test.
New to us
Book a free hearing test
Choose a practice and a time online, confirmed straight away. Free for adults 18+, with no obligation to buy.
Prefer to talk?
Call us, or we’ll call you
0800 52 00 546 · Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 5pm. Or leave your number and we’ll ring you back.
Free hearing test FAQs
Straight answers to the questions patients ask most about our hearing care services.
Yes. Our free hearing test is free for all adults, with no obligation to buy hearing aids or book ear wax removal afterwards. A charge may apply only if you ask for a written report of your results for non-medical reasons.
Depending on the hearing assessment type you’ve booked, the appointment takes between 30 and 90 minutes. The most suitable appointment depends on your age, hearing concerns and individual hearing needs. And once complete you’ll receive a full breakdown of your results. We’ll then discuss recommendations on what to do next and whether hearing aids or further treatment would be beneficial to you.
Everyone’s hearing changes over time. It’s recommended to have a hearing test at least every two years, especially if you’re over 50 or notice any changes in your hearing. Regular tests help detect any early signs of hearing loss and ensure your hearing aids, if you use them, are performing optimally.
If you experience sudden hearing issues, don’t wait and seek the advice of a GP or hearing professional as soon as possible.
No, you don’t need a GP referral to see us. Simply book your free hearing test online or pop into your local practice, and one of our qualified audiologists will take care of the rest.
You can have a hearing test with us from the age of 18, and there’s no such thing as being “too young” to look after your hearing. Hearing changes become more common with age. According to the charity RNID, more than 40% of people over 50 have some hearing loss, rising to 71% of people over 70. But the sooner you check in, the sooner you can keep enjoying every conversation, every laugh and every moment that matters.
Our audiologists recommend regular hearing tests for anyone over 18, especially if you’ve noticed any signs of hearing loss or changes to your hearing.
It’s completely up to you, but it’s often a good idea, and many of our patients find it helpful. A friend or family member can offer support, help you remember important information and share what they’ve noticed about your hearing day to day. They can also help you talk through any questions with your audiologist, so you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout.
If you are a parent or guardian with concerns about your child’s hearing and they are under the age of 18, the best first step is to speak to your GP. They can refer your child to an NHS audiologist for a free hearing test. Children may also have their hearing checked during routine health and development reviews, or when they start primary school, depending on where you live.
When talking to a loved one about hearing loss, it’s important to:
- Choose the right moment. Pick a calm, quiet time when you’re both relaxed.
- Lead with love, not blame. Try “I” statements such as “I miss chatting with you on the phone.”
- Focus on the gain. Talk about what they could enjoy, like easier conversations, family get-togethers and catching every joke, rather than what they’re missing.
- Listen and be supportive. Be patient, since it can take time. You could offer to book a free hearing test together, or come along for support.
It can be a hard topic to bring up, but approaching it with understanding and empathy will make the conversation easier.
Not quite. An online test is a quick check that can tell you whether it’s worth taking a closer look. Because it depends on your headphones and surroundings, it can only give you a rough idea.
A hearing test in practice gives you the full picture. You’ll sit down with a qualified audiologist who’ll check your ears and test your hearing with properly calibrated equipment. They’ll also talk you through your results in plain English, with no pressure.
Ready for the full picture? Book your free hearing test today.
Yes, if you’re 18 or over. You don’t need a GP referral or to go through the NHS. Book directly with us online or by phone, and our audiologists will make sure you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Near you
Find a free hearing test near you.
- Hearing centres in East Midlands →
- Hearing centres in East of England →
- Hearing centres in London →
- Hearing centres in North East →
- Hearing centres in North West →
- Hearing centres in Northern Ireland →
- Hearing centres in Scotland →
- Hearing centres in South East →
- Hearing centres in South West →
- Hearing centres in Wales →
- Hearing centres in West Midlands →
- Hearing centres in Yorkshire & The Humber →
Related
More about your hearing.
Ear wax removal
£70 · about 30 minutes
Hearing aids
Find your perfect hearing aid
Tinnitus consultations
Help with persistent ear ringing
Online hearing test
A quick first look at home
Levels of hearing loss
Advice









