Want a quick screening check before you visit us? Start with our free online hearing test for instant insights, then book your in-clinic appointment for a complete, professional full assessment.

Free hearing tests near you

Leightons offers free hearing tests for adults aged 18+ across London and the South of England. Whether you’ve noticed changes recently in your hearing abilities or simply want peace of mind, our experienced audiologists are here to help. 

Same-day and next-day appointments are often available when contacting branches directly. 

Check availability at your nearest branch 
Stylized purple headphones with a connecting cable.

Is it time for a hearing check?

Staying aware of changes in your hearing is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. Here are some common signs that you or a loved one may need a hearing test:

Turning up the TV ormusiclouderthanusual

Hearing ringing, buzzing, or whistling sounds (tinnitus)

Feeling that people mumble or often needing them to repeat themselves

Feeling unusually tired after conversations or social events

Avoiding noisy places or social situations

If any of these sound familiar, book a free hearing test.

If you experience sudden hearing loss, please contact your GP or a hearing professional immediately.

Who is eligible for a free hearing test?

Anyone aged 18 or over can book a free hearing test at Leightons no eligibility checks, no GP referral required. Whether you’ve noticed changes in your hearing ability or gists are here to help.

We especially recommend a hearing health check for anyone aged 55 and over.

Please note: we’re unable to see children under 18 for hearing tests. If you are a parent or guardian with concerns about your child’s hearing loss and they are under the age of 18 you should seek a referral from your GP to your local NHS paediatric audiology service.

A woman adjusting headphones on another woman’s head.

What happens during your hearing test

You do not need to do anything in preparation for your hearing test, though it will be helpful for your audiologist if you bring someone close to you, as they can provide valuable insight into any challenges and environments where you may need our help. Your free hearing test includes the following:

A review of your medical history and an opportunity to discuss any changes you may have noticed to your hearing or your day-to-day listening.

Video otoscopy of the outer ear, eardrum and canal to check for any blockages, such as earwax.

Tympanometry, functionality test of the middle ear to see whether it’s healthy.

Pure Tone Audiometry, sounds are presented through headphones, to assess your ability to hear different frequencies at different volumes.

Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT™) Test, an advanced assessment of your ability to detect speech sounds in noisy environments.

Speech testing to review your ability to process words in both quiet and in noise.

After your hearing test

At the end of your hearing test, your audiologist will carefully review and explain your results with you, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your hearing health.

What happens next depends on whether hearing loss was detected,from simple reassurance to arranging follow-up care or treatment ifapplicable.

Book an appointment

Book an appointment through our online booking system at any time. Or call us on 0800 40 20 20. Lines open Monday to Saturday 8.30am – 5pm.

Find your local branch

Whether you need optical or hearing care, our 37 independent branches across the South of England ensure our expert, empathetic team is always close to home.

Why choose Leightons for your hearing test?

Leightons offers a level of hearing care that goes beyond standard free checks: 

  • FREE 90-minute Full Hearing Assessment 
  • Expert HCPC-registered audiologists 
  • Advanced diagnostic equipment 
  • Clinics across London and the South of England 
  • Same-day appointments often available 
  • Trusted for over 95 years 
  • Leading technology from world-recognised brands 
  • Personalised recommendations, never rushed 
Other High Street Retailers Hearing Test
Leightons FREE Premium Hearing Test
Length of appointment 15 - 60 minutes 90 minutes
Purpose Convenience & baseline check Clinic-style hearing test, ideal for people who want certainty, depth and understanding.
Anyone wanting maximum reassurance
Thoroughness of Exam Standard Assessment Our most advanced and detailed assessment
Ostoscopy ✓ Included ✓ Outer ear testing through the ear canal. This will reveal any need for ear wax removal
Tympanometry May be offered ✓ This test can assess the health of the middle ear, the bones and the movement of the eardrum
Speech Testing May be offered ✓ Evaluating speech recognition allows your hearing speech or speech-in-noise to be assessed

Other High Street Tests

  • Length 15 - 60 minutes
  • PurposeBasic check
  • AssessmentStandard
  • Otoscopy✓ Included
  • TympanometryMay be offered
  • Speech testingMay be offered
  • ACT™ (speech-in-noise)Not included

Leightons FREE Premium Test

  • Length90 minutes
  • PurposeClinic-level depth
  • AssessmentMost advanced
  • Otoscopy✓ Included
  • Tympanometry✓ Included
  • Speech testing✓ Included
  • ACT™ (speech-in-noise)✓ Included

Bring along a friendly face

Those closest to us are often the first to notice changes in our hearing. If possible, consider bringing a family member or loved one to your assessment.

Hearing loss can affect communication for both you and those around you. Having someone familiar with your daily life can provide valuable insight and help us better understand your needs. They can also make it easier to gauge improvements when listening to a familiar voice - and offer support as you make decisions about your hearing health.

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A smiling man wearing round red sunglasses with curly hair.
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Frequently Asked Questions

A hearing test at Leightons is completely free for adults aged 18 and over. There’s no charge for the full 90-minute assessment. Your appointment includes a complete ear-health check, comprehensive hearing diagnostics and personalised advice from a qualified audiologist.

Hearing naturally changes as we age. On average, in your 40s you may notice difficulty hearing softer sounds or following conversations in noisy places[1][2]. By age 60, many adults experience some degree of hearing loss. Regular hearing tests help monitor these changes and identify issues early, ensuring timely support and care. [3][4].

Yes. You can get a hearing test on the NHS if your GP considers it clinically necessary. NHS waiting times vary by area, if you prefer not to wait, private providers like Leightons offer free hearing tests without the need for a GP referral.

Our free full hearing assessment typically lasts around 90-minutes. This allows us to build a complete picture of your hearing health and lifestyle needs.

You should aim to have a hearing test at least once every two years, or sooner if you notice changes. Regular monitoring of your hearing health is important to helpidentifyany gradual changes as soon as possible.

At Leightons, we are only able to see adults aged 18 or over for a hearing test. We are unable to see children and young adults under 18.

If you would like your child’s hearing tested or have concerns about their ear health, we would advise contacting your GP in the first instance. They will be able to carry out a preliminary assessment and then refer you to an ENT clinic or paediatric hearing practitioner if required.

In cases where hearing loss identified, your audiologist may recommend hearing aids. Today’s devices are discreet and packed with advanced technology to keep you connected to the world around you.

Leightons offers a wide range of hearing aids from the most trusted brands, OticonStarkeyPhonakWidexReSound and Unitron. During your appointment, your audiologist will recommend suitable options and demonstrate how they can support and enhance your daily life.

Sources

[1] Bradshaw, K. (2025, May 5). I think I have hearing loss because I can’t hear soft sounds. Hearing Aid UK. https://www.hearingaid.org.uk/hearing-loss-awareness/i-cant-hear-soft-sounds

[2] Dawes, P., Fortnum, H., Moore, D. R., Emsley, R., Norman, P., Cruickshanks, K., Davis, A., Edmondson-Jones, M., McCormack, A., Lutman, M., & Munro, K. J. (2014). Hearing in middle age: A population snapshot of 40–69 year-olds using speech-in-noise testing. Ear and Hearing, 35(3), 405–414. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264521

[3] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024, September 20). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing

[4] Hoffman, H. J., Dobie, R. A., Losonczy, K. G., Themann, C. L., & Flamme, G. A. (2017). Declining prevalence of hearing loss in U.S. adults aged 20 to 69 years. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 143(3), 274–285. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2016.3527