Frequently asked questions
The questions families actually ask us, answered plainly. If yours is not here, call and ask.
About the test and the fee
What does a hearing test cost?
Why do you charge when other centres offer it free? Because a free test is usually paid for at the point of sale. Our charge keeps the recommendation independent — no discount waiting at the end, no sales target deciding what we suggest. Read the full explanation on Fees & pricing. ``
Do I need a doctor's referral? No. You can book a hearing test yourself. If a doctor has referred you, tell us and we will report back to them.
What happens at a hearing test? You sit in a quiet room and respond to soft sounds; we also check how the ear itself is working. It is painless and usually takes about ``. See Hearing tests.
Do I need to do anything to prepare? ``
How long does the appointment take? ``
About hearing aids
Will I be pushed to buy a hearing aid? No. The test decides the recommendation. If you do not need a device, we will say so. If you do, you can take the recommendation away and think about it — we will put it in writing so you can check it with any doctor.
Do I have to decide on the day? No. There is no "today only" price here. Nothing expires.
What do hearing aids cost?
Which brands do you carry? Signia and Oticon. We keep the list short on purpose. During a trial we do not insist on a particular brand — comfort, benefit and clinical suitability decide. ``
Can I try before I buy?
Do you offer EMI or instalments? No. We do not offer EMI at present. ``
Do you offer discounts? We are not a discount-led practice. If affordability is a genuine issue, talk to us and we will look at reasonable ways to help — but we will not pretend a permanent discount is good for the recommendation.
About aftercare
What happens after I buy a hearing aid? Follow-up and aftercare are at no charge. The person who fits your device is the person who looks after it. See Aftercare.
Do you service hearing aids bought elsewhere? ``
For children and families
What is BERA? An objective hearing test for infants and young children that does not need a spoken response. We complete the test and the report the same day, usually within about 30 minutes. See BERA for children.
We are not the cheapest. The value is the same-day report, the convenience, and a result you can take straight to your child's doctor. Some hospitals charge more than us and take longer. We would rather be straight about that than match a lower price and make you wait. ``
My child's newborn screening was normal. Do I still need to check? ``
What if my child needs speech therapy too? Cornerstone also provides speech and language therapy, so for some children the support that follows a hearing result is in the same organisation. ``
About home visits
Can you come to us? If travelling is difficult, yes. Home visits are available: `` See Hearing tests.
A sensitive question
Is hearing loss linked to memory problems? Hearing loss is recognised as a modifiable risk factor in cognitive decline, which is one reason not to leave it unaddressed. It is not a diagnosis of dementia, and we will not use that fear to sell you anything. The honest position is simple: if your hearing is reduced, it is worth measuring and managing. ``
Still have a question?
- Secondary: Request a callback — best if you would rather ask before booking, or you are asking on someone else's behalf.