When you’re considering booking your first audiology appointment in Lewes, it’s natural to have questions about what lies ahead. At Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes, we understand that taking the first step towards better hearing can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, experienced tinnitus, or simply want a routine assessment, knowing what to expect can make your visit more comfortable and productive.
As an independent, family-run audiology provider in Sussex, we’ve helped countless patients navigate their first appointments with confidence. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know before visiting our Lewes audiology clinic, from preparation tips to understanding the assessment process.
Before your appointment, it’s helpful to understand why hearing assessments are so important. According to RNID statistics, over 18 million adults in the UK are affected by deafness, hearing loss, or tinnitus, with more than half the population aged 55 or above experiencing some degree of hearing loss. Regular assessments help identify issues early, when they’re often easier to manage.
Your hearing assessment serves multiple purposes beyond simply testing your hearing levels. Our HCPC-registered audiologists will evaluate your overall ear health, identify any potential concerns, and discuss how your hearing might be affecting your daily life. This comprehensive approach ensures we can recommend the most suitable corrective action to enhance your quality of life.
Booking private audiology appointments has never been simpler. Unlike NHS services where waiting lists for audiology appointments can be lengthy, private appointments at our Lewes clinic offer immediate access to professional hearing care services. You don’t need a GP referral to book with us, although we’re trusted by local GPs and ENT consultants throughout Sussex.
We offer free consultations and free hearing aid assessments, making it easier to take that crucial first step. You can book your appointment directly through our website, call our friendly team, or send us an email. We understand that flexibility is important, which is why we also offer home visit appointments within a two-hour window for those who find it difficult to travel to our clinic.
Proper preparation can help ensure your appointment runs smoothly and provides accurate results. Here’s what we recommend before your visit:
If you’re experiencing ear wax buildup, this should ideally be addressed before your hearing test. For those booking ear wax removal alongside their hearing assessment, we recommend applying olive oil ear drops (Earol) morning and evening for seven days prior to your appointment, unless contraindicated. This helps soften the wax, making removal more comfortable and effective.
In the 12 to 16 hours before your appointment, try to avoid exposure to loud noises. Temporary hearing changes from noise exposure could affect your test results, so it’s best to give your ears a rest before your assessment.
Before your appointment, take some time to note down specific situations where you notice hearing difficulties. Do you struggle to follow conversations in noisy restaurants? Find yourself turning up the television volume? Have difficulty hearing on the telephone? These observations help our audiologists understand your unique listening environments and lifestyle needs.
Understanding the appointment process can help alleviate any concerns you might have. At Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes, we follow a thorough assessment process designed to provide comprehensive insights into your hearing health.
Your audiologist will begin by taking a full health history, discussing any medications you’re taking, past ear infections, exposure to loud noises, and family history of hearing loss. This conversation helps identify potential causes of hearing concerns and guides the assessment process.
Using video otoscopy, your audiologist will examine your ear canals and eardrums. This visual inspection helps identify any physical issues such as wax buildup, inflammation, or structural concerns that might affect your hearing.
The main hearing test, called pure-tone audiometry, typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll wear headphones and respond to various tones at different frequencies and volumes. This painless test helps establish the degree and type of any hearing loss present. The NHS describes this process as completely safe and non-invasive.
Depending on your specific concerns, your audiologist might perform additional tests. These could include speech recognition tests to assess how well you understand words at different volumes, or tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function. For those experiencing tinnitus, we offer specialised tinnitus therapy assessments.
After completing your assessments, your audiologist will explain your results in detail. We believe in transparent, jargon-free communication, ensuring you fully understand your hearing profile. The results, displayed on an audiogram, show your hearing thresholds across different frequencies for each ear.
Your audiologist will discuss whether any hearing loss is present, its type (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed), and its severity. More importantly, we’ll relate these findings to your daily life, explaining how they might be affecting your ability to communicate and enjoy activities you love.
If your assessment reveals hearing loss, don’t worry. Modern hearing care services offer numerous solutions to improve your quality of life. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we provide access to the latest hearing aid technology from leading manufacturers including Phonak, Oticon, Signia, and Widex.
Today’s hearing aids are sophisticated devices offering features like Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and virtually invisible designs. During your appointment, we’ll discuss various hearing aid styles and technologies, considering your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
We understand that choosing hearing aids is a significant decision. That’s why we offer hearing aid trials, allowing you to experience the benefits in your daily life before committing. Our comprehensive patient aftercare programme ensures ongoing support, with regular check-ups, adjustments, and maintenance included in our hearing aid packages.
Beyond hearing assessments and hearing aids, Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes offers a comprehensive range of audiology services:
If you’re experiencing tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ears), we provide specialised assessments and therapy. Our tinnitus appointments focus on understanding your specific symptoms and developing personalised management strategies to reduce their impact on your daily life.
Inner ear problems can affect balance as well as hearing. We offer balance testing and vestibular rehabilitation services to help diagnose and manage dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders.
Prevention is always better than cure. We create custom hearing protection for musicians, motorcyclists, swimmers, and anyone regularly exposed to loud noise or water. These personalised solutions protect your hearing whilst maintaining sound quality and comfort.
Our Lewes clinic is fully wheelchair accessible with convenient parking nearby. We’ve designed our facilities to be welcoming and comfortable, creating a relaxed environment for your appointment.
Remember to bring a list of any medications you’re taking, your medical history if relevant, and ideally, a friend or family member who can provide additional insights into your hearing challenges. If you wear glasses, bring them along as you might need to read information during your visit.
Plan for your initial appointment to last approximately one hour, though complex cases might take longer. We never rush appointments, ensuring you have ample time to discuss your concerns and understand your options.
To ensure you get maximum value from your audiology appointment, come prepared with questions. Ask about prevention strategies, latest technologies, payment options, and anything else concerning your hearing health. Our team welcomes questions and believes informed patients make better decisions about their care.
Consider bringing someone who knows you well. They can offer valuable observations about your hearing that you might not have noticed yourself, and they’ll help you remember important information discussed during the appointment.
Taking the first step towards addressing hearing concerns demonstrates commitment to your overall health and wellbeing. Research shows untreated hearing loss can impact mental health, relationships, and cognitive function, making early intervention crucial.
At Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes, we’re honoured to be part of your hearing journey. Our team combines professional expertise with genuine care, ensuring every patient receives personalised attention and support. As one satisfied patient shared: “What a first class experience! From making the appointment to getting the hearing aid fitted, the team at Sussex Audiology have been outstanding.”
Remember, hearing loss develops gradually, and many people wait years before seeking help. By reading this guide and considering an appointment, you’re already ahead of the curve. Better hearing isn’t just about volume; it’s about reconnecting with loved ones, enjoying favourite activities, and maintaining independence.
Q: Do I need a GP referral for a private audiology appointment at Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes?
A: No, you don’t need a GP referral for our private audiology appointments. You can book directly with us for immediate access to hearing care services in Lewes, avoiding NHS waiting lists for audiology appointments.
Q: How much does a hearing test cost at your Lewes audiology clinic?
A: We offer free consultations and free hearing aid assessments at Sussex Audiology Centre. This includes a comprehensive hearing test and discussion of your results with our HCPC-registered audiologists.
Q: What should I do if I have excessive ear wax before my appointment?
A: If you’re booking ear wax removal alongside your hearing assessment, apply olive oil ear drops (Earol) morning and evening for seven days before your appointment. This helps soften the wax for easier removal. If you’re unsure, contact our team for guidance.
Q: How long does a typical audiology appointment take?
A: Most audiological assessments in Lewes take between 45 minutes to one hour. However, we never rush appointments and will take whatever time necessary to address your concerns thoroughly.
Q: Can you provide home visit appointments in the Lewes area?
A: Yes, we offer home visit hearing tests throughout Lewes and surrounding Sussex areas. Appointments are set within a two-hour window, and our audiologist will call 30 minutes before arrival. Note that cancellation fees may apply for home visits.
Q: What happens if my hearing test shows I need hearing aids?
A: If hearing aids are recommended, we’ll discuss suitable options from leading brands like Phonak, Oticon, and Widex. We offer hearing aid trials so you can experience the benefits before making a decision, plus comprehensive aftercare support.
Ready to take control of your hearing health? Don’t let concerns about your first audiology appointment hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Our friendly team at Sussex Audiology Centre Lewes is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to book your free consultation and discover how professional hearing care services can transform your quality of life. Email us to schedule your appointment and join the thousands of satisfied patients who’ve trusted us with their hearing care.
Your journey to better hearing begins with a single step. Take it today.
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