Are you Waiting for an NHS hearing test? Here is what you can do in the meantime
Did you know that hearing test waiting lists vary wildly by postcode. Here are five practical steps for the months in between, and an honest look at going private.
Why the wait is so hard to pin down
Until a few years ago, NHS England published figures for how long people waited for a direct access hearing test.
That data collection stopped during the pandemic and was formally discontinued at the end of 2024, so there is no longer a national picture to point at.
Hearing services have also historically sat outside the 18 week target that covers most hospital treatment. The upshot is that waits vary enormously from one area to the next, and the question was raised in Parliament more than once this spring, with the Government saying it was committed to increasing diagnostic capacity.
That is welcome. It is also not a date.
None of this is a criticism of NHS audiology staff, who are stretched and very good at what they do.
NHS hearing aids are decent modern devices and the care is free at the point of service. The problem is purely one of capacity, and it is not something you can fix by being patient.
Here are five things worth doing while you wait for your NHS hearing test.
Get your ears looked at.
A surprising share of people on hearing lists have ears full of wax. It muffles everything, it skews any test, and it is removed in minutes by microsuction.
It is also the cheapest possible fix if that turns out to be the whole story.
Have a hearing test anyway.
An initial hearing test with Coleman Hearing and Vision is FREE. YES, you heard that correctly. It usually takes under an hour, and gives you a proper audiogram showing exactly what each ear can and cannot pick up.
Even if you intend to stay on the NHS list, you will know what you are dealing with, and the result is yours to take with you.
Protect what you have.
Hearing loss is cumulative. If you are still working around machinery, playing in a band, or spending November near fireworks, decent ear protection now stops things getting worse while you wait.
Tell the people around you.
Most of the stress of hearing loss comes from pretending. Asking people to face you when they speak, turning the radio off during conversations and sitting with your back to the wall in a restaurant all make a real difference and cost nothing.
Go back to the GP if things change.
Sudden loss in one ear, pain, discharge or dizziness are not things to sit on a waiting list with. They need to be seen quickly.
The private hearing test route, explained plainly
We see both NHS and private patients, and we are not interested in talking anyone out of the NHS. The honest difference is time and choice.
Privately you can usually be seen within days, you choose from the full range of current hearing aids including the smallest and most connected ones, and the aftercare is with the same person who fitted you.
There is a cost attached, and we would rather tell you exactly what before you decide than surprise you later.
For some people the right answer is to stay on the list, get the wax sorted and manage in the meantime.
For others, especially those whose work or family life is suffering, waiting several months for something that affects every conversation they have is a poor trade. Either way, the decision is easier to make once you know what your hearing is actually doing, and finding that out is free.
If you would like to talk it through, our audiology team at St Augustine’s Street is happy to see you whether or not you ever buy anything from us.
Bring your NHS letter if you have one. It all helps.
How to reach us
At Coleman Hearing & Vision, we understand how important your hearing is to your overall wellbeing.
That’s why we offer professional hearing tests in Norwich, helping you detect and manage hearing loss as early as possible. Whether you’re struggling to follow conversations, turning up the volume on your TV, or simply want a routine check, our experienced hearing team is here to help.
Our dual eye and hearing care service is designed to make your life easier by offering everything in one place.
Hearing loss can affect anyone, and our service is popular with adults of all ages. If you’re concerned about a child’s hearing, we recommend contacting your GP first.
To speak with a member of our team, call 01603 624564, email info@colemanopticians.co.uk, or book online.
