If you’re considering booking a hearing test in Lewes for the first time, you’re taking an important step towards better hearing health. Whether you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, experience tinnitus, or simply want a routine check, knowing what to expect can help ease any concerns you might have about your first audiology appointment.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, we understand that visiting an audiologist for the first time can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through every aspect of your hearing assessment, from the moment you book your appointment to the aftercare support we provide.
Before we delve into what happens during your appointment, it’s worth understanding why regular hearing assessments are so important. The NHS recommends that adults have their hearing tested if they notice any changes, whilst many experts suggest routine checks become increasingly important as we age.
Our Lewes audiology clinic sees patients from across Sussex who come to us for various reasons. Some have noticed they’re turning up the television volume more frequently, others struggle to follow conversations in busy environments, and many come to us with concerns about tinnitus. Whatever brings you to our practice, you can be assured of a warm welcome and professional service.
Proper preparation can help ensure your hearing test runs smoothly and provides the most accurate results. In the days leading up to your appointment at our Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes location, there are several simple steps you can take to prepare.
First, avoid exposure to loud noises for at least 16 hours before your test. This means steering clear of concerts, noisy construction sites, or using power tools without proper hearing protection. Exposure to loud sounds can temporarily affect your hearing and potentially influence your test results.
Consider keeping a hearing diary in the week before your appointment. Note down situations where you struggle to hear clearly, any instances of tinnitus, or times when you feel your hearing is particularly good or challenging. This information proves invaluable during your consultation, helping us understand your specific hearing challenges and lifestyle needs.
If you have any previous hearing test results or medical records related to your ears or hearing, bring these along to your appointment. They provide useful baseline information that helps us track any changes in your hearing over time.
When you arrive at our Lewes clinic for your audiology appointment, our friendly reception team will welcome you and help you feel at ease. We understand that many patients experience increased anxiety before their first appointment, which is perfectly normal. Our team is trained to create a relaxed, supportive environment from the moment you walk through our doors.
Your hearing assessment begins with a comprehensive consultation where we take your full health history. This conversation allows us to understand not just your hearing concerns, but also your overall health, as certain medical conditions and medications can affect hearing. We’ll ask about your lifestyle, work environment, and any challenging listening situations you regularly encounter.
Following the consultation, we’ll examine your ears using an otoscope. This painless procedure allows us to check the health of your ear canal and eardrum, ensuring there are no blockages such as earwax that might affect your test results. If we do identify excessive earwax, we can discuss our ear wax removal services which can be arranged for a separate appointment.
The hearing test itself consists of several different assessments, each designed to evaluate different aspects of your hearing. Our comprehensive audio tests typically include pure tone audiometry, where you’ll wear headphones and indicate when you can hear various tones at different volumes and frequencies.
We’ll test each ear separately, starting with the ear you believe hears better. The sounds will begin at a clearly audible level and gradually become quieter until you can no longer detect them. This process is repeated across different frequencies to build a complete picture of your hearing ability.
Bone conduction testing may also form part of your assessment. This involves placing a small vibrating device behind your ear to test how well sound travels through the bones of your skull to your inner ear. This helps us determine whether any hearing loss originates in the outer and middle ear or the inner ear.
Speech audiometry is another crucial component of your hearing test. Rather than simple tones, you’ll be asked to repeat words or identify speech in various conditions. This assessment is particularly valuable as it reflects real-world hearing challenges more accurately than pure tone tests alone.
If you experience tinnitus, your audiology appointment will include additional assessments specifically designed to evaluate this condition. Tinnitus affects millions of people across the UK, and at Sussex Audiology Centre, we have extensive experience in tinnitus therapy and management.
During your tinnitus assessment, we’ll ask detailed questions about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the tinnitus, whether it’s constant or intermittent, and what it sounds like. We may also conduct pitch and loudness matching tests to help characterise your tinnitus more precisely.
Understanding your tinnitus is crucial for developing an effective management strategy. Many patients find relief simply from understanding that tinnitus is a common condition and that effective management options are available. Our audiologists will discuss various tinnitus management techniques that might help, from sound therapy to lifestyle modifications.
Once all assessments are complete, your audiologist will explain your results in clear, easy-to-understand terms. You’ll receive an audiogram, a visual representation of your hearing ability across different frequencies. We’ll take time to ensure you understand what the results mean for your daily life and discuss any areas where your hearing might be affecting your quality of life.
If your test reveals hearing loss, we’ll explain the type and degree of loss you’re experiencing. Hearing loss is typically categorised as mild, moderate, severe, or profound, and can be conductive (related to the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (related to the inner ear or hearing nerve), or mixed.
Based on your results and lifestyle needs, we’ll discuss recommended corrective actions. This might include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, communication strategies, or simply monitoring your hearing with regular check-ups. There’s never any pressure to make immediate decisions, and we encourage you to take time to consider your options.
If hearing aids are recommended, our Lewes audiology team will guide you through the various options available. Modern hearing aids are sophisticated devices that can be customised to your specific hearing loss pattern and lifestyle needs. We’ll discuss different hearing aid styles, from discreet in-the-ear models to behind-the-ear devices with advanced features.
We work with leading hearing aid manufacturers to ensure you have access to the latest technology. During your consultation, we’ll consider factors such as your dexterity, cosmetic preferences, and the severity of your hearing loss to recommend the most suitable options. Our hearing aid packages include comprehensive aftercare to ensure you get the most from your investment.
For those concerned about cost, we offer various payment options and can discuss what’s included in each package. Remember, investing in your hearing health is investing in your quality of life, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
Your first hearing test in Lewes marks the beginning of your journey to better hearing health, not the end. Regular monitoring is essential, as hearing can change over time. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) recommends regular hearing checks, particularly as we age.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, our patient aftercare programme ensures you receive ongoing support. This includes regular check-ups, hearing aid adjustments if needed, and access to our team for any questions or concerns that arise.
We also provide guidance on custom hearing protection to help preserve your hearing for the future. Whether you’re a musician, work in a noisy environment, or simply want to protect your ears during loud activities, we can create custom-moulded ear protection tailored to your needs.
Beyond standard hearing tests and hearing aids, our Lewes clinic offers comprehensive audiology services. If you experience dizziness or balance problems, our vestibular rehabilitation and balance testing services can help identify and address these issues.
Many patients don’t realise that balance problems can be related to inner ear conditions. Our specialist assessments can determine whether your symptoms have an audiological cause and, if so, develop an appropriate treatment plan. This holistic approach to hearing and balance health sets us apart as a comprehensive audiology centre in Lewes.
For those unable to visit our clinic, we also offer home visit services across Sussex. This ensures that everyone can access professional audiology care, regardless of mobility limitations or other circumstances that make clinic visits challenging.
We understand that booking an audiology appointment for the first time can cause anxiety. Research shows that many first-time patients experience increased anxiety before their appointment, which is completely natural. To help manage these feelings, we recommend arriving a few minutes early to familiarise yourself with our surroundings and complete any necessary paperwork without feeling rushed.
Consider bringing a friend or family member for support. They can provide moral support and help you remember important information discussed during your appointment. Many patients find it helpful to have someone familiar present who can also share their observations about your hearing challenges.
Remember that there are no right or wrong answers during a hearing test. Simply respond honestly to what you hear, and don’t worry about making mistakes. The test is designed to find your hearing thresholds, so it’s expected that some sounds will be too quiet for you to hear.
Taking the step to book your first hearing test in Lewes demonstrates your commitment to your hearing health and overall wellbeing. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we’re honoured to be part of this journey with you. Our experienced audiologists, comprehensive services, and patient-centred approach ensure you receive the highest quality care throughout your experience.
From your initial consultation through to ongoing aftercare, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Lewes audiology department combines professional expertise with a warm, friendly approach that puts patients at ease. We believe everyone deserves to hear well and live life to the fullest, and we’re committed to helping you achieve that goal.
Q: How long does a hearing test take at your Lewes audiology clinic?
A: Your first comprehensive hearing assessment typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes. This includes the consultation, examination, various hearing tests, and discussion of results. We never rush appointments, ensuring you have adequate time to ask questions and understand your results fully.
Q: Do I need a GP referral to book a private audiology appointment in Lewes?
A: No, you don’t need a GP referral for a private hearing test at Sussex Audiology Centre. You can book directly with us by calling or visiting our website. However, if you have specific medical concerns, we may recommend consulting with your GP alongside your audiology care.
Q: Is the hearing test at Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes painful?
A: Not at all. Hearing tests are completely painless and non-invasive. You’ll simply wear headphones and respond to various sounds. The otoscope examination might cause slight discomfort if you have sensitive ears, but it shouldn’t be painful. Our audiologists are trained to ensure your comfort throughout the assessment.
Q: How much does a private hearing test cost in Lewes?
A: We offer free hearing assessments at Sussex Audiology Centre. This includes the full consultation, hearing test, and discussion of results. There’s no obligation to purchase hearing aids or any other services following your assessment. We believe everyone should have access to professional hearing care.
Q: Can I book an audiology appointment in Lewes for tinnitus specifically?
A: Absolutely. We specialise in tinnitus assessment and management. Your appointment will include standard hearing tests plus specific tinnitus evaluations. Our audiologists are experienced in various tinnitus therapy approaches and will work with you to develop an effective management strategy.
Q: What should I bring to my first audiology appointment at your Lewes clinic?
A: Bring a list of any medications you’re taking, any previous hearing test results, and notes about your hearing concerns. If you wear glasses, bring them along as you’ll need to remove them during the headphone portion of the test. Consider bringing a friend or family member for support if you’d like.
Don’t let hearing concerns affect your quality of life any longer. Our team at Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes is ready to help you on your journey to better hearing. With our free consultations, comprehensive assessments, and ongoing support, you can feel confident that you’re in expert hands.
To book your audiology appointment or learn more about our services, contact us today. You can reach our friendly team by email at info@sussexaudiologycentre.co.uk or by phone. Take the first step towards better hearing today, and discover how professional audiology care can transform your daily life.
25 July 2025
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