Hearing changes can creep up gradually, so regular checks matter. At Leightons, a few quick questions match you to one of three free hearing tests, from a routine check to our most in-depth appointment, plus clear, personalised advice on your results.
Bring a friend or family member along if you can. It's great support, and helps your audiologist build a fuller picture of your day-to-day hearing.
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 professional hearing assessment.
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.
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:
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.
To make sure everyone gets the most appropriate appointment, we offer three types of free hearing test. When you book, we'll ask three quick questions about your hearing and recommend the right test for you, so there's no guesswork involved. Whichever you're matched with, you'll get an assessment that's genuinely suited to you.
30 minutes
A great starting point for anyone. You'd like a straightforward, routine check and a first look at your overall hearing health. This includes:
60 minutes
Recommended for 55+. You'd like a more in-depth look at your hearing and ear health. This includes:
90 minutes
Recommended for 65+, or anyone with specific hearing concerns. You'd like the deepest understanding of your hearing health, maximum reassurance. This includes:
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.
You don't need to do anything to prepare, though it will help your audiologist if you bring someone close to you, as they can offer valuable insight into the situations where you'd like extra support.
Once your assessment is complete, your audiologist will talk you through your results clearly, so you know exactly what they mean for you. Based on your results, you'll receive personalised recommendations tailored to your hearing needs, lifestyle and any concerns you've discussed during your appointment.
From there, what happens next depends on what we find, whether that's simple reassurance or arranging follow-up care or treatment together.
Leightons offers a level of hearing care that goes beyond standard free checks:
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Other High Street Retailers Hearing Test
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Leightons FREE Premium Hearing Tests
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| Length of appointment | 15 - 60 minutes | 30 - 90 minutes, tailored to your needs |
| Purpose | Convenience & baseline check | From a routine check to our most in-depth assessment, whichever suits you |
| Thoroughness of Exam | Standard Assessment | Tailored to you, up to our most advanced and detailed assessment |
| Ostoscopy | ✓ Included | ✓ Outer ear testing through the ear canal, which 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 Available from our Complete Hearing Test, assessing the health of the middle ear |
| Speech Testing | May be offered | ✓ Evaluating speech recognition allows your hearing speech or speech-in-noise to be assessed Available from our Complete Hearing Test, evaluating speech |
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.
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
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