Your ears deserve a little attention too.
When did you last get your hearing checked?
Most of us wouldn't think twice about booking an eye test. But hearing? It often gets put off — sometimes for years. The tricky thing is that hearing loss tends to creep up very gradually. It can be hard to notice until it's been quietly affecting your day-to-day life for quite some time.
The NHS recommends getting your hearing checked at least every three years. If it's been longer than that, or if you've noticed things aren't quite right, it might be time for a test.
Eye emporium in numbers
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1,000sof local patients helped -
5.0Trustpilot score -
11average years experience of our audiologists -
42years and still family run -
15stores, same personal service
You might benefit from a hearing test if you are
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Asking people to repeat themselves
You find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often than you used to.
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Struggling to follow conversations
Conversations in noisy places — like restaurants or family gatherings — feel harder to follow.
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Feeling tired from concentrating
You feel tired after social events from the effort of concentrating on what people say.
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Hearing ringing or buzzing sounds
You've noticed a ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears.
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Turning the TV up louder
You tend to turn the TV up louder than others in the house prefer.
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Finding that voices sound muffled
People seem to mumble more, or voices sound muffled.
Quick appointment guide
All appointments are carried out by qualified audiologists.
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Hearing Health Check£35
Quick overview of your hearing health — ideal for a first check.
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Full Hearing Assessment£65
Thorough evaluation with personalised results and recommendations.
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Ear Wax Removal£40 - £70
Safe, professional wax removal with immediate relief.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A HEARING ASSESSMENT?
Book a hearing test-
1
A Friendly Welcome
We start by getting to know and understanding how your hearing has felt recently. We'll ask about your lifestyle, any symptoms you've noticed, and your
general health. Nothing is too small to mention. -
2
Ear Examination
Using a small, gentle camera, we take a careful look at your ear canal and eardrum. We'll show you the image on screen so you can see exactly what we see. This helps us rule out anything like a blockage that might be affecting your hearing.
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3
Pure Tone Hearing Test
We'll pop a pair of headphones on you and play a series of quiet tones at different pitches. All you need to do is press a button when you hear a sound. Simple as that. The results give us an audiogram — a bit like a prescription for your ears.
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4
Eardrum Function
A quick, painless test to check how well your eardrum is moving. It takes just a few seconds and tells us a lot about the health of your middle ear.
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5
Your Results and Next Steps
Once we've completed the tests, we'll sit
down together and go through your results in plain English — no jargon, no rush. We'll explain what we've found, answer any questions you have, and discuss the options available to you.
We're all about the small things
The subtle 20Hz difference. The moment a conversation clicks back into focus. The sound of a grandchild's voice coming through clearly again. These are the small things that make a big difference — and they're what we work for.
Eye Emporium has been serving local communities for over 45 years. We bring the same care and attention to your hearing that we've always given to your eyesight.
Real patients. Real Results
Sandra - Faversham
"I have had difficulty hearing for a few years, nothing major to worry about in my mind, but over the Christmas period I was aware I couldn't hear sounds that everyone else could hear. I am just so happy with my hearing aids and wished I had sorted it out earlier. The whole process from start ie getting the test done and follow up appointments was smooth running and I felt confident with what was told to me and the care that was given."
Stephanie - Faversham
"I came for a hearing test following a car accident which impacted my ability to hear well. The whole process was straightforward from making the appointment to collecting the hearing aids and things were well explained. I particularly appreciated the time given to adjust the aids to help my particular situation. I wear them most of the time and particularly like the Bluetooth to my phone as I can hear phone conversations so much better."
Ready to book your hearing test?
Whether you've been putting off a hearing test for a while, or you've just started to notice a few things that don't feel quite right, the best time to get checked is now. Our audiologists are friendly, experienced, and ready to help — with no pressure and no fuss.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Does a hearing test hurt?
Not at all. Hearing tests are completely comfortable and pain-free. We use headphones to play sounds at different volumes and pitches, and all you need to do is let us know when you hear them. The ear examination uses a small camera that rests gently at the entrance to your ear — it takes just a moment and causes no discomfort.
How long does a hearing test take?
A Hearing Health Check takes around 20 to 30 minutes — it's a great starting point if you just want a general overview. A Full Hearing Assessment lasts roughly an hour, as we take the time to complete a thorough evaluation and go through your results properly. We'd rather do it properly than rush.
How often should I have my hearing tested?
The NHS recommends having your hearing checked at least once every three years. If you've noticed any changes in your hearing — even small ones — it's worth booking sooner rather than later. Hearing problems that are picked up early are much easier to manage.
I'm a bit nervous. Is that normal?
Completely normal, and you wouldn't be the first. Our audiologists are used to seeing patients who feel a little unsure about what to expect — and they're very good at putting people at ease. There's no rush, no pressure, and you can ask questions at any point. By the end of the appointment, most people tell us they wish they'd come sooner.
What happens if I have some hearing loss?
We'll explain your results clearly and talk you through the options. Depending on what we find, this might mean keeping an eye on things, removing ear wax if that's
contributing to the problem, or exploring hearing aids if they'd genuinely help. Whatever the outcome, we'll make sure you understand your results and feel confident about next steps — there's absolutely no pressure to decide anything on the day.
Do you offer hearing aids?
Yes. If hearing aids would be of benefit to you, we offer a separate Hearing Aid Assessment and fitting service. We work with leading brands — including Signia — and will recommend the right option based on your lifestyle, your degree of hearing loss, and your preferences. We also provide ongoing aftercare and follow-up appointments so you always feel supported.
Can I have my ear wax removed at the same time?
Yes — our combined Hearing Assessment + Wax Removal appointment covers both in one visit for £115, which is great value. Blocked ears are one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss, so it often makes sense to do both at the same time. If we spot wax during a standard hearing test, we'll let you know and discuss your options
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed at all. You can book directly with us — online, by phone, or by walking into any of our 15 stores. It really is that straightforward.