Hearing Tests

At Richard C Arnold – now part of the Leightons family – we believe hearing well is just as important as seeing well. Our hearing test service is designed to help you understand and take control of your hearing health – right here in Petersfield, in a comfortable, professional environment.

Why a Hearing Test Matters

Your hearing can change gradually and often without you even realising. A timely hearing test helps to:

Hearing can decline gradually, often without obvious signs. Regular hearing tests help identify small shifts early on, giving you the chance to take action before they start to affect daily life.

From conversations with loved ones to watching TV or managing noisy environments, your hearing plays a key role in daily comfort and communication. A hearing test helps you understand how well you're hearing in real-world situations.

Sometimes reduced hearing isn’t caused by hearing loss at all. Conditions such as wax build-up, ear canal changes or middle-ear dysfunction can all affect how well you hear. A full assessment helps identify these issues so they can be addressed.

Monitoring your hearing regularly supports better long-term wellbeing. Early detection and expert guidance help you stay connected to conversations, social events, and the world around you.

What happens at your appointment

1. Welcome & Conversation

We begin with a friendly chat about your hearing, day-to-day listening, and anything you’ve noticed recently.

2. Ear & Hearing Check

Your audiologist will examine your ears and run a series of hearing tests using modern equipment. This helps us understand how well you hear different sounds and how you manage in background noise.

3. Clear Results Explained

We’ll talk you through your results in simple, easy-to-understand terms, so you know exactly what they mean for your hearing.

4. Tailored Advice & Next Steps

Based on your results, we’ll offer personalised guidance – whether that means ongoing monitoring, hearing protection, or exploring hearing-aid options.

Preparation & Practical Info

  • No specific preparation is needed — just come along when you’re ready.
  • Feel free to bring a partner or close friend — sometimes having someone else’s input helps with the assessment.
  • The test typically takes about 60 – 90 minutes, allowing time for review and discussion.
  • If you’re noticing sudden hearing changes (sudden loss, ringing, ear pain), please contact us immediately rather than waiting for a routine test.

Who Should Book a Hearing Test?

Hearing tests are useful for:
  • Anyone aged 18 and over who wants an accurate check of their hearing health.
  • Anyone who is finding they ask people to repeat themselves, increase the TV volume, or struggle in noisy settings.
  • People exposed to prolonged noise (music, work environments, hobbies).
  • Anyone wanting to stay on top of their long-term hearing health for lifestyle, work or social reasons.