Free Hearing Tests for Over-65s: Why We Run Them and What’s Included

If you’re over 65 and searching for a free hearing test, the short version is: yes, we run them. According to RNID, the UK’s national hearing loss charity, more than half of adults over 55 have some degree of hearing loss, rising to around eight in ten of those over 70 — and because it develops so gradually, many people don’t notice, or put off doing anything about it. Until 31 August 2026, we’re offering a free hearing test to anyone aged 65 or over at our Wimbledon, Wallington and Addiscombe clinics: the same thorough assessment we normally charge £59 for, with no obligation to buy anything afterwards.

Why we run free hearing tests for over-65s

Hearing loss is one of the few health conditions people routinely wait years to act on. It rarely arrives suddenly — it’s usually a slow fade, and it’s often family members or friends who notice first, long before the person themselves feels ready to admit it. Because age-related hearing loss becomes so much more common after 65, we’d rather remove any reason not to get checked. A test costs nothing during the offer period, takes under an hour, and gives you a clear, honest answer either way.

Sometimes the result is simply “your hearing is fine, come back in a year or two.” Sometimes it flags earwax as the culprit, which is easily fixed. And sometimes it’s the first step towards addressing genuine hearing loss. All three outcomes are useful to know.

What’s included in the test

This isn’t a quick screening — it’s the full hearing assessment we run for every patient, over-65 offer or not:

• A short conversation about your hearing history, any specific difficulties, and relevant medical background
• Otoscopy — a visual check of your ear canal and eardrum, including a look for earwax build-up
• Pure-tone audiometry, testing how well you hear across a range of frequencies and volumes
• Your results explained in plain English on the spot, not left for a follow-up call
• Honest, personalised recommendations — whether that’s “nothing to do,” a wax removal appointment, or a conversation about hearing aids

Appointments run around 45 minutes and there’s never any pressure to decide anything on the day.

Who qualifies, and how to book

The free offer applies to anyone aged 65 or over booking at our Wimbledon, Wallington or Addiscombe clinics, before 31 August 2026. Quote FREEHT when you book via our appointments page or by phone.

Our Teddington clinic isn’t included in this particular offer, but the standard £59 hearing test is available there as usual, for any age. If getting to a clinic is difficult, we also offer home visit hearing tests for £89 (this is a separate, paid service and isn’t covered by the free offer). You can see all four clinics on our locations page.

What happens if we find something during the test

If otoscopy shows a build-up of earwax, that alone can account for muffled hearing, and it’s a separate, straightforward fix. At Wimbledon, Wallington and Addiscombe, ear wax removal is currently £60 for both ears until 31 August 2026. At Teddington, standard pricing applies: £60 for one ear or £80 for both. If we look and don’t find any wax, there’s a £20 consultation fee for that appointment. We’ve written more on the different removal methods in our guides to microsuction vs syringing vs ear drops and choosing a wax removal clinic you can trust.

If the test points to genuine hearing loss, we’ll talk you through what that means and what your options are — with no pressure either way. Where hearing aids are appropriate, we fit Phonak, Signia, Oticon and Widex devices, starting from £798 for a single aid or £1,695 for a pair, and every set comes with four years of unlimited aftercare. You can see full pricing on our hearing aid prices page.

Should you book a free hearing test?

It’s worth booking if any of the following sound familiar:

• You (or people around you) have noticed the TV or radio volume creeping up
• You find yourself asking people to repeat themselves, especially in groups or restaurants
• Phone calls feel harder to follow than they used to
• You’ve noticed ringing, buzzing or humming in your ears — see our tinnitus page for more on this
• It’s been more than a year or two since your hearing was last checked

Frequently asked questions

Is the free hearing test really free, with no strings attached?
Yes. There’s no charge for the assessment itself, no obligation to buy hearing aids or book any further appointment, and no hidden fee added on afterwards. You simply need to be 65 or over and book before 31 August 2026 using code FREEHT.

What happens after the test if I do need hearing aids?
We’ll explain the options honestly, including cost, and there’s no pressure to decide on the day. If you’d like to go ahead, we fit Phonak, Signia, Oticon and Widex hearing aids from £798, all with four years of unlimited aftercare included.

Can I get a free test if I’m under 65, or based outside Wimbledon, Wallington or Addiscombe?
The free offer is specifically for over-65s at those three clinics. Everyone else, including all ages at our Teddington clinic, can still book the standard £59 hearing test at any of our four locations.

Free hearing tests in Wimbledon, Wallington and Addiscombe

These three clinics sit within easy reach of South West London and North Surrey — useful whether you’re coming from Wimbledon village, Wallington town centre, or over towards Croydon and Addiscombe. If you’re unsure which clinic is most convenient, our locations page has addresses, opening times and directions for all four sites.

If any of this sounds like it applies to you, or to a parent or relative, a free hearing test is a low-effort way to get a clear answer. Book your appointment before 31 August 2026 and quote FREEHT.