Where to go for initial Hearing Test

ellee

Hi


I have been suffering a lot of tinnitus the last 2 y. I ignored it as I had read there is nothing to be done for tinnitus.



However in the last few months I have also noticed a real drop in the quality of my hearing. Mishearing words, can't hear what people are saying, straining to catch enough clues to make some sensible comments etc. I also did 2 of those online tests which said I might have "considerable" hearing loss.



Looking online I also see that tinnitus can be connected with hearing loss.



I also have a back history of grommits as a kid and long standing labyrinthitis (vertigo and nausea) as an adult.


With that history, should I go into the GP for a referral to a suitable audiologist or would somewhere like the free test in Specsavers be an ok place to start?



Many thanks, I just don't know where to start really.

Garlinge

I thought would be simple to get referral from GP but he insisted that I go route of consultant which meant hearing test done by her audiologist then MRI and later CAT scan. I ended up having grommets done over few years and in the end was told I would be a good candidate for hearing aid! So I cancelled another grommet surgery and have been happy with specsavers service and value.

Specsavers will ask you your medical history and need to be assured that a hearing aid is appropriate. Perhaps in your case your GP will support your decision. Perhaps with tinnitus a hearing will not help. I have heard of a person being offered a trial of a hearing aid to see it helps.

the_syco

ellee wrote: »

I also have a back history of grommits as a kid and long standing labyrinthitis (vertigo and nausea) as an adult.

IMO, have your doc put in a referral letter to the Eye & Ear hospital.

An audiologist will only work with what they get back from the hearing test, but you may need your ears looked at before you do so.