There has been interest in the media about proposals to screen the hearing of everyone over 55. There are no plans to implement this at present, but there is a simple telephone test run by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf which can serve as a first line test. This telephone test does not replace proper assessment. 

Dialling 0845 600 55 55 leads to a short test (5 minutes) which requires the listener to key in a series of three digit numbers.  The numbers are spoken clearly but increasing Hearinglevels of background noise are mixed in.  At the end of the test the listener is informed of the results.  The listener then has to dial the number again to test the other ear.

The possible results are:

1. Your hearing is within the normal range (less than 25 dB  average loss)
2. Your hearing is just below the normal range (25 to 35 dB average loss)
3. your hearing is well below normal and you may benefit from a hearing aid (greater than 35 dB average loss)

Our NHS hearing aid specialist has asked us to report:

If the result for both ears is “Your hearing is well below normal and you may benefit from hearing aids…”) The current Audiology waiting time from referral to assessment is 8 weeks and about a third of patients can be fitted with hearing aids at that appointment. The remainder will be fitted within a further 8 weeks.

Unless the result for both ears is “Your hearing is well below normal…” you are unlikely to gain significant benefit from hearing aids. However if you have hearing problems you may gain benefit from assistive devices such as TV listeners and telephone amplifiers.  See RNID and Connevans

If the result for one ear  is “Your hearing is well below normal” but for the other ear  is “Your hearing is within the normal range” This suggests a one sided hearing loss and it is important to exclude medical conditions. You are advised to see your doctor who may consider referral to hospital.