Hearing Loss

In our experience, ladies and gentlemen come to our clinic in Sutton Coldfield for a local, convenient and expert hearing test.  They may have noticed a gentle deterioration in their ability to hear, possibly have suffered an injury which has affected noise perception, suffer with congenital loss, or – most commonly – have had “feedback” from loved ones regarding the high sound levels on the TV and the necessity to repeat themselves time after time! Whatever the reason that you find yourself needing a hearing test, simply need to hear better.

The hearing test itself is a simple procedure, albeit thorough and state of the art. Yours ears will be examined for wax, infections or any other abnormalities using a video Auroscope, which is a high-definition camera. This process is shown to you live on a monitor so that, as Steven Hale says, “You can see what I can see.”  This means that you have the opportunity not only to see what’s happening inside your ear, but also to ask questions about anything you notice. Further, your responses to sound will be recorded from the comfy sound booth and again, the results displayed and discussed with you. But… We don’t stop there, you will also have a Speech Function Test, to see how your ear & Brain part of your hearing are actually “processing” the speech, this gives us a lot more information than the Diagnostic hearing test we start with. Then…. We then go on to perform a Speech in Noise test, as most people struggle more so when in a noisy situation, this replicates you being in this situation & gives us valuable information in selecting the correct course of action for you.

Putting aside the fears many have of getting older, we find that, by the time our clients come for a test, they simply want to know what’s wrong – is it wax or infection, loss or damage?  Of course, the next thing to be addressed is what can be done if a diagnosis is made.  Well, there is no doubt that in the event of hearing loss, a hearing aid is just about the best option – in the same way that a vacuum cleaner will solve your dusty floors.  Armed with whatever information your hearing test reveals means that you are in a position to make other decisions, in the safe hands of your Sutton Coldfield Audiological experts at Steven Hale Hearing.

There are many “hidden” benefits of having a hearing test, some of which may not be immediately apparent.  These might include the luxury of self-investment, improved quality of life, boost of self-esteem, knowledge and awareness which in turn breeds confidence, and puts you in a position of choice.

During our in-depth expert consultation, we carefully assess your hearing to ensure your hearing aids deliver the maximum possible benefit. We tailor everything to your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Ultimately, hearing aids are only as effective as the expertise behind them, and our audiologists are dedicated to achieving the very best outcome for you.

We take great care to ensure your hearing aids are fitted securely and comfortably during your consultation. When fitted and worn correctly, the chances of them falling out or being lost are very low. For added peace of mind, many modern hearing aids also come with smartphone apps that include a ‘find my hearing aid’ feature, helping you locate them quickly if they are ever misplaced.

Modern hearing aids are designed to keep up with active lifestyles. They’re lightweight, secure, and built to stay comfortably in place during day-to-day activities, including exercise. Many also use advanced AI technology to automatically adapt to different environments, so you can move from quiet settings to busy, noisy spaces without needing to adjust anything manually.

For example, our client Jack Hodgson trains regularly at an elite level and wears his hearing aids without any issues.

No, hearing aids come in a wide range of styles, and many are designed to be very discreet or virtually invisible. We offer options including in-the-ear models like the Oticon Zeal, as well as the Phonak Lyric, which is placed deep within the ear canal and is completely hidden from view. The best option depends on your hearing needs, ear shape, and lifestyle. During your consultation, we’ll guide you through the most suitable choices to ensure you get both the performance and discretion you’re looking for.

That’s completely understandable. It’s an important decision, and it’s worth taking the time to feel confident. We encourage you to speak with us, ask questions, visit the clinic, read our reviews, and chat with friends or family who may have experience with hearing aids. We’re here to guide you at every stage, without pressure. If you’re still unsure, just ask us more questions, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to decide what’s right for you.

You don’t need to be confident with technology to use hearing aids. Modern devices are designed to work automatically, adjusting to your surroundings without you needing to do anything. Some hearing aids do offer smartphone apps for added control, but these are completely optional and not required for the hearing aids to work effectively. During your consultation, we’ll recommend simple, easy-to-use options tailored to your needs and ensure you feel comfortable and confident using them.

Hearing loss is often gradual and can worsen over time, sometimes becoming irreversible. Many people delay getting help because there never seems to be a ‘right’ time, but addressing it sooner rather than later can make a meaningful difference to your long-term hearing health.

No, this is a common misconception. Hearing aids do not cause your hearing to worsen. Instead, they improve your quality of life by helping you hear more clearly in situations that would otherwise be difficult. Any reliance on them comes from the contrast between aided and unaided hearing - not because they weaken your natural hearing.