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Free hearing tests in-store or online

Name: Hidden Hearing Ireland
Brand: Hidden Hearing
Rating: 9.367486 (43052 reviews)

1 in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss.

Book a free, no obligation, reassuringly thorough hearing test with your local expert audiologist in one of our 85+ clinics nationwide.

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Reassuringly thorough

hearing care

Same day result

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How do you know if you need a hearing test?

At Hidden Hearing, these are the six signs our audiologists hear about most often from people booking their first hearing test. The signs of hearing loss may be slow to develop and difficult to identify, or they can also be sudden and obvious. If you are aware of the general signs of hearing loss, you will be better able to evaluate if you should take a free hearing test with us.

A smiling older couple kneels beside two joyful children playing in fallen autumn leaves, surrounded by a sunlit park with golden foliage, highlighting the joy of hearing life's precious moments.

1. Following conversation is difficult

You have difficulty following group conversations (or when background noise is present).

A man holding a phone to his ear while seated indoors

2. Phone conversations are unclear

You have trouble following phone conversations and often have to ask people to repeat what they say.

Four individuals sit around a wooden table, holding white coffee cups, engaged in a conversation within a bright, casual café setting featuring large windows in the background.

3. People seem to be mumbling

You often ask people to repeat themselves. Sounds seem unclear, or people sound like they are mumbling.

Senior woman with gray hair wearing a hearing aid device.

4. Difficulty locating sounds

You have difficulty locating where sounds are coming from.

Woman experiencing ear discomfort illustrated with zigzag lines near her ear.

5. Signs of tinnitus

You experience ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (called tinnitus).

Elderly couple embracing while relaxing on a couch

6. TV is difficult to hear

Your friends and family say you turn the television up too loud.

What to expect at a hearing test

Man and woman sitting at a desk discussing hearing care options.

20 minutes

1. Your audiologist will start by asking about your hearing history - when you first noticed changes, which situations you find the hardest, and what matters most to you. This is a conversation that helps them build a complete picture of your hearing health and everyday listening needs.

Doctor examining the ear of a seated man in a hearing care clinic.

5 minutes

2. A physical ear examination (otoscopy / video otoscopy) that looks inside your ear canal to check for wax, infection, or anything that might be affecting your hearing health. This helps ensure your hearing assessment is as accurate as possible and highlights any issues that may require further attention.

Man wearing headphones during a hearing test while holding a response button.

20 minutes

3. Pure tone audiometry and speech in noise testing are then completed to assess your hearing in detail. Pure tone audiometry measures hearing at different pitches and volumes to identify the type and degree of hearing loss, while speech in noise testing assesses understanding of speech in background noise, reflecting real world listening challenges.

Man and woman discussing a hearing test result chart.

15 minutes

4. Results discussion and explanation of your audiogram, where your hearing results are shown and explained in clear, simple terms. There is no obligation to proceed, and hearing aids are only recommended if they are genuinely needed based on your individual hearing profile.

"Seeing and hearing about the life-changing difference our consultation and fitting of hearing aids makes to patients, families, and friends inspires me to be the best audiologist I can be" - Enda Dooley, Hidden Hearing Audiologist

Ready to take the first step? Book a free hearing test today at your local clinic.

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Lead Hidden Hearing audiologist Enda Dooley smiling with a blue speech bubble overlayed on his ear

Why book your free hearing test with Hidden Hearing?

At Hidden Hearing, we've been helping people across Ireland hear better for over 35 years. Many people over 60 feel uncomfortable about getting their hearing checked. You are not alone in this feeling. There is often a worry that acknowledging hearing changes means accepting that we're getting older, or that family and friends will see us differently. The truth is, hearing changes are a normal part of life, affecting 1 in 3 adults over 65. At Hidden Hearing, we understand these concerns, and our audiologists work with thousands of Irish adults every year who initially felt exactly the same way.

Whether you've been thinking about a hearing assessment yourself, or a family member has gently suggested it might be time for a hearing check, taking that first step can feel daunting.

Here's what you get when you book a hearing test with us:

A full hearing assessment at no cost. The test is completely free, and there's no obligation to do anything afterwards. You're more than welcome to bring a family member along for support, many people find it makes the experience more comfortable and helps them remember the advice we provide.
A qualified audiologist. Every hearing test is carried out by a professionally qualified audiologist. They're trained to assess your hearing accurately and explain the results in clear, simple language so you fully understand your hearing health.
85+ clinics in every county. There is likely a Hidden Hearing clinic close to you. Our local teams are part of the communities they serve, making access to care simple and convenient without long journeys or delays.
Aftercare at no extra cost. If you do need hearing aids, your care doesn't stop at the fitting. Free follow-up appointments, free batteries, ongoing adjustments, and support for as long as you need it — all included.
A conversation, not a consultation. Your audiologist will listen to what's been bothering you, run the tests, show you the results, and explain what they mean. If hearing aids would help, they'll say so. If they wouldn't, they'll tell you that too.

A person wearing large, over-ear headphones holds a hearing test response button in a clinical setting with blurred green foliage and a neutral gray background for testing purposes.

Would you like to get your hearing tested for free?

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What to expect at your clinic visit

You might be wondering what takes place at a hearing assessment, such as how your hearing care expert will check for hearing loss and what you can expect to learn.

Our brief guide will provide you with a step-by-step overview so that you can be prepared for your appointment.

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Audio	Visual
Music	Hidden Hearing logo As an essential service, we remain open for all your hearing healthcare needs in the safest hearing healthcare clinics in Ireland.
Music	Watch and see how quick, safe & easy it is to have a free hearing test. A woman is on her way to the clinic.
Music	On the day of your test, a friend or family member is recommended to come along with you. The woman walks into the clinic.
Music	You will be greeted in the reception by one of our friendly clinic coordinators, who will ask you to sanitise your hands and sign in. Clinic coordinator welcomes the customer and points at the sanitiser.
Music	Woman stands at the reception and fills out a couple of questions. You will also be asked the following questions: Have you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 7 days? Are you waiting for a COVID-19 test or the results? Do you have any of the following symptoms: New, continuous cough, high temperature or fever, loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste? Do you live with someone who has either tested positive for COVID-19 or had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
	You will then meet your audiologist, who will bring you through to our consultation room to complete your free hearing assessment. Audiologist welcomes the customer.
Music	To complete your free hearing assessment. Your audiologist will begin by asking you about your medical history in order to find out more about your hearing concerns and lifestyle factors. Audiologist talks with the customer and starts the physical ear exam and hearing test.
Music	Your audiologist will also conduct a physical ear exam of your ears. Zoom in on the results of the hearing test.
Music	Your audiologist will make a recommendation based on these results. Audiologist finishes the consultation.
Music	If there is hearing loss detected, we will assist you in choosing the best hearing aid solution to suit your needs. The audiologist opens the door for the customer as they leave.
Music	Hidden Hearing Book a FREE hearing test today Call 1800 370 000 or email info@hiddenhearing.ie

Is an online hearing test as accurate as a clinic test?

Hidden Hearing offers both a free online hearing test and a full in clinic assessment, and each plays a different role in understanding your hearing.

An online hearing test is a helpful starting point. It allows you to check your hearing from the comfort of your own home and gives a general indication of how well you are hearing everyday sounds through your device's speakers or headphones.

However, it is important to understand its limitations. An online hearing test cannot examine the ear itself, cannot assess speech in noise using calibrated equipment, and cannot diagnose the type or cause of hearing loss. It provides useful guidance, but it is not a clinical diagnosis, and hearing test accuracy is naturally influenced by the device being used.

An in clinic assessment with a qualified audiologist provides a full and accurate picture. It uses calibrated equipment, includes a physical examination, and produces a detailed audiogram that clearly shows your hearing profile.

If you have completed an online hearing test and your results suggest a change in your hearing, this is a strong reason to book an in clinic appointment. Even without taking a test, any concerns from you or your loved ones are worth exploring properly so you can be confident in your hearing health.

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How much does a hearing test cost in Ireland?

At Hidden Hearing, a hearing test is completely free. There is no charge, no obligation, and no referral required from your GP or ENT specialist. You can simply book an appointment, visit your nearest clinic, and a qualified audiologist will carry out a full assessment at no cost to you.

Here’s what is included in every free hearing test:

A detailed discussion about your hearing history, lifestyle, and any concerns you may have.
A physical ear examination to check for wax, blockages, or other factors affecting your hearing.
A comprehensive assessment using calibrated equipment, including pure tone audiometry and speech in noise testing.
A clear explanation of your results on the same day, with no pressure and no obligation to take the next step.

Over 50,000 people have already had their hearing tested with Hidden Hearing. Many were simply looking for reassurance rather than expecting a problem, and wanted a clear understanding of their hearing health. The appointment typically takes around 60 minutes, and you are welcome to bring a family member or friend along for support.

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3 ways to book a hearing test

Book by phone

Call us on 1800 818 808
Lines are open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m.

1800818808

Book an appointment online

Using our online booking tool, book a free hearing test online at your preferred time.

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Find a hearing clinic

Use our hearing clinic locator to find the closest Hidden Hearing clinic.

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Hearing test FAQ

Enda Dooley, professional audiologist in a clinic setting

Written by: Enda Dooley, Hearing Aid Audiologist, ISHAA Member

Enda Dooley is a qualified audiologist who holds a Higher Education Diploma in Hearing Aid Audiology from Queen Margaret University UK.

He has worked as an audiologist with Hidden Hearing for the last 16 years and his work provides him with the privilege of meeting, diagnosing and treating patients of all ages with diverse audiological conditions.

Enda is passionate about hearing health and personally invested in preventing the negative impact of hearing loss. His goal is to improve the quality of life for sufferers, their families, and friends.