Audiological Tests in Harley Street, London
Learn More Below About Audiological Tests
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What Are Audiological Tests?
Audiological tests are not only about hearing—they also provide valuable information about the health of your inner ear. As part of any inner ear assessment – for hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus or vertigo – you will have a comprehensive audiological assessment.
At Harley Street Audiovestibular Clinic, we offer advanced audiological diagnostic tests performed by senior specialist audiologists in a CQC regulated environment. We offer a thorough and detailed assessment that goes beyond standard hearing tests. Our specialized tests are designed to detect subtle problems that may not be identified in routine evaluation. This comprehensive approach ensures that you receive an accurate diagnosis and the best possible care.
With strict protocols, policies and procedures in place, we ensure that you will receive accurate and reliable assessment to aid in precise diagnosis.
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Highly Specialised Medical-Led Service
Harley Street Audiovestibular Clinic is a CQC regulated service, providing evidence based, high-quality, medical consultant physician-led service.
We offer consultation and clinical assessment, aided and supplemented by high-quality, state-of-the-art audiological and vestibular diagnostics, delivered by an expert team.
Type of Audiological Tests
1. Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
What It Is: PTA is a standard subjective hearing test that measures your ability to hear different pitches and intensities.
PTA helps us understand your overall hearing function, which is an essential part of assessing your ear health. However, the quality of PTA is dependent on the conditions and tester. Hearing can also be affected as part of certain vestibular conditions.
2. Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Testing)
What It Is: This test evaluates the middle ear function by measuring the transmission of sound through the external ear canal, the ear drum and the middle ear bones leading up to your inner ear. It includes tympanometry, which checks for ear drum movement, and acoustic reflex testing, which measures the protective response of muscles in the middle ear and how well the middle ear bones are working (ossicles).
Why It’s Important: Impedance audiometry helps us detect middle ear issues, such as fluid buildup (glue ear) or Eustachian tube dysfunction. It also helps us to diagnose any conditions that affect the middle ear bones (ossicles) such as otosclerosis which can cause conductive hearing loss, tinnitus and sometimes results in dizziness and vertigo.
3. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
What It Is: OAE tests measure sounds produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to a series of clicks or tones. These emissions are a sign of healthy outer hair cell function in the cochlea.
Why It’s Important: OAEs help us assess cochlear function without needing any active response from you. This is particularly useful in detecting subtle inner ear problems that might not show up in a PTA.
4. Eustachian Tube Function Tests
What It Is: These tests assess how well your Eustachian tubes open and close. The Eustachian tubes connect the back of the nose to the middle ear to help ventilate and equalise ear pressure.
Why It’s Important: Poor Eustachian tube function can lead to pressure imbalances in the middle ear. It can result in a feeling of ear blockage, tinnitus and/or fluctuating hearing. Should this be the cause of your ear symptoms, medical treatment can be provided to help alleviate the tinnitus or ear problem.
5. Acoustic Reflex Decay
What It Is: This is a test of how long the acoustic reflex (a protective muscle response in the middle ear to loud sounds) is maintained over time.
Why It’s Important: Reflex decay testing helps identify any problems with the auditory nerve or connections to the brainstem. It can be useful test to also help identify middle ear myoclonus, stapedial myoclonus or any conditions where there is clicking of fluttering of the ear.
6. Long-Term Tympanometry (Pressure Tracing)
What It Is: This is an extended version of tympanometry where middle ear pressure is monitored over time rather than as a one off.
Why It’s Important: This test can be useful in eliciting nystagmus in the case of Third Mobile Window Disorders (TMWD) such as Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD). It can also be useful in helping to diagnose conditions where there is clicking or fluttering of the ear such as a middle ear myoclonus or stapedial myoclonus.
Features
What We Offer
Appointments Available Within 1-2 weeks.
Quality Care
Experience
Medical-Led Evidence Based Diagnosis and Management
Central London Location
High Quality Audio-Vestibular Testing
Testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are audiological tests?
“Audiological tests” are a range of simple, low-impact tests designed to assess your ear hearing function. One of them is a standard hearing test which will gauge your ability to hear sound across a range of frequencies from high to low and in between. Other tests include tests of how well the bones in your middle ear work (ossicles), the pressure in your middle ear, how well your ear drum is working. One of the specialist tests we perform at Harley AVM is tests of your cochlea (inner ear hearing organ) hair cell function, which may show early evidence of hearing deterioration even before you’re hearing test know as “Hidden Hearing Loss”. You may also be tested on your ability to hear speech as part of audiological tests..
When should I get my hearing tested?
If you feel you are no longer hearing as well as you did before, or you are struggling to discern individual voices in a crowded room, or you need to turn the volume on the TV up higher than you used to, it is a good idea to get your hearing tested. If you need a hearing aid, the sooner you get one the better.
Do audiological tests in London take a long time?
Most people are in and out of our clinic in about an hour. The test itself typically takes about 30 minutes but you should allow extra time to prepare for the test and to discuss the results with the Audiologist afterward. If required, you can also consult our Audiovestiular Physicians, who are medical doctors of hearing and balance for further consultation and investigation of why you have a hearing loss.
Is it possible to lose hearing on one side only?
Hearing loss on one side has many possible causes. It could be something as simple as excessive wax buildup in the affected ear. Or it may be the result of trauma or injury, or perhaps the result of sensorineural or even mechanical issues within the ear itself. Rarely, one sided hearing loss can be due to tumours of the brain and hence it is vital to have this symptom investigated as soon as possible by a medical doctor.
Will I need a hearing aid?
It depends entirely on the results of the audiology test. If the Audiologist from Harley St AVM deems it necessary, they will recommend a hearing aid and answer any questions you may have about the device. You can get these via the NHS. Or, if you wish, you can purchase the latest, most up to date model of hearing aid privately via our specialist audiologist at our clinic The latest hearing aids have come a long way, are much smaller and incorporate the latest advances of technology enabling you to connect with your mobile phone and computer.
Are there ways to prevent hearing loss?
If your work exposes you to loud noise levels, you should wear hearing protection at all times. Loud music is another common cause of hearing loss and should be avoided. Also, it is never a good idea to stick cotton swabs in your ear as they may do more harm than good.
Our Associations
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is a public body of the Department of Health and Social Care established to regulate and inspect health and social care services in England.
CQC registration is a marker for standards of care. It is a mandatory requirement of all organisations which provide vestibular care or diagnostics.
Harley Street Audiovestibular Clinic is fully registered and compliant with all the stringent CQC requirements, ensuring you care is in the best possible hands.
