Why a “Free Hearing Test” may not be what you think.
If you’re noticing changes in your hearing, it’s natural to look for the easiest and most accessible option to find out more. You’ve likely seen advertisements for “free hearing tests” and “free hearing checks”. While the word “free” is certainly appealing, it’s important to understand what these tests and checks include – and what they may be missing.
At Resonate Health, we believe that hearing is too important for a quick, limited assessment. That’s why we have developed the ear360® assessment: an holistic, 10-point hearing health check designed to give you a complete picture of your hearing health, not just a snapshot.
The “free hearing test”: a quick check or a complete picture?
A typical free hearing check, typically offered as a 15- to 20-minute appointment, or even as an add-on to an eye exam, is a great starting point, but it’s often just that – a starting point. These appointments generally focus on how well you hear a limited number of sounds to determine if there is a potential hearing loss. If any problem is detected, you are often encouraged to book a more comprehensive assessment.
The goal of these free checks is usually to identify if you have a need for hearing aids, which can sometimes lead to a focus on making a sale rather than trying to understand your hearing well-being. You are given an outcome of “yes, you have a hearing loss” or “no, you don’t”. But what if the problem isn’t just about hearing loss? What if it is connected to other aspects of your general health?
The Resonate ear360® assessment: an holistic approach to your hearing health.
An ear360 assessment is different. It is a premium, in-depth evaluation that goes far beyond a basic check. Our goal isn’t to sell you a hearing aids: it is to provide you with a full profile of your hearing health and its impact on your overall wellbeing that you can use to measure your hearing journey over time.
Here is what makes ear360® a truly different experience:
- 10-point comprehensive analysis: we look at far more than just your ability to hear soft ‘beep’ sounds. We look at your ear hygiene, how your hearing ability impacts daily life, how your brain understands sounds, and the interactions between tinnitus, balance, sleep and memory with your hearing well-being.
- Cognitive fitness by Sonde Health: the ear360® assessment is enhanced with innovative technology from Sonde Health, allowing us to analyse markers in your voice patterns to give insight into your cognitive fitness. This gives you a deeper understanding of how your brain processes sound and how it leaves you feeling throughout the day.
- Personalised, not prescriptive: after your 60-minute appointment you won’t just get a hearing chart. You’ll receive a full report that explains your results in clear, everyday language. Our expert audiologists and health navigators will then work with you to create a personalised plan, whether that involves hearing aids, ear wax removal, or other recommendations to help look after your overall wellbeing.
- Transparency and trust: we believe in a transparent model of hearing care without gimmicks. We don’t offer a “free check” as a sales tool. We offer the ear360® as a valuable, standalone service that gives you the information you need to make the best decisions for your health.
While a free hearing test may seem like a good deal, it often provides an incomplete picture or is used as a sales tool for hearing aids. The Resonate Health ear360® assessment is an investment in your long-term hearing health and wellbeing. It’s about more than just hearing – it’s about understanding the complete impact of your hearing on your life, so you can continue to enjoy life with confidence and clarity.
