It’s our Birthday month! And to celebrate LAC turning 8 years old, we’re offering FREE hearing checks throughout the month of April. Yep, you heard us right. FREE hearing checks! Not sure if you need a hearing check? We can help with that!

Do I need a FREE hearing check?

Do I need a FREE hearing check? If you’ve been asking yourself this question lately then the answer is likely yes! Not sure? Answer the questions below to see if a hearing test is worthwhile.

Do you have problems hearing the TV or radio at a volume that is loud enough for others?

Are you over the age of 50?

Do you feel embarrassed when you meet new people because you struggle to hear? 

Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a busy restaurant or pub? 

Does your hearing affect you at work? 

Do you sometimes just nod and smile when talking to someone because you’re unable to clearly hear them?  

Is there a history of hearing loss in your family? 

Do you have tinnitus (ringing in your ears)? 

Does a hearing problem cause frustration and arguments with friends and family? 

Do you find you have to ask people to repeat themselves often?

If you answered yes to  3 or more of these questions, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested by an audiologist.

Hearing loss facts & figures

1 in 3 (over 18 million) adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus

Over half the population aged 55 or over have hearing loss

80% of the population aged over 70 have hearing loss

Around 1.2 million adults in the UK have hearing loss severe enough that they would not be able to hear conversational speech

On average, people wait 10 years after having a hearing test before doing something about it

What will a FREE hearing check look like?

Arriving at LAC

At Leeds Audiology Clinic, our goal is to make you feel at ease the moment you walk through the door. Starting with a friendly face to greet you, you’ll be welcomed into our relaxing reception area. You’ll be offered a drink and some details will be taken to check you in.

Hearing Check

When your audiologist is ready, they will come through to reception to greet you before taking you through to one of our clinic rooms. Firstly, the audiologist will discuss why you have attended for a FREE hearing check. They will briefly ask about your hearing and health history and discuss your concerns. After this, they will check your ears to examine the health of your ear canals and ear drums. You will then be shown to the soundproof booth for your hearing test. A pair of headphones will be fitted and a series of sounds will be played at different pitches, one ear at a time. Every time you hear a sound, you press a button and it’s as simple as that. The test will take around 15 minutes. Once the test has finished, your audiologist will show you the results and advise on next steps.

Hearing Check Results

At Leeds Audiology Clinic, we don’t believe in pushy sales tactics. We’re a family business and want the best possible outcome for our clients. If hearing aids are recommended, we’ll give you as much information as possible. There are many options available and multiple price brackets, we also offer finance. We’re not tied to any specific manufacturers so there is plenty of choice across the industry. If you don’t need hearing aids, then our audiologist will answer any further questions you may have before you leave.

Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are not only smaller but also come with advanced technology that enhances sound quality and user experience. They can help you hear better in noisy environments, reduce tinnitus, improve communication and connect to your phone to stream calls and music. Other features of modern hearing aids include 51 hours of battery life, fall detection, health monitoring and waterproof technology! To ensure that you make the best decision for you, we also offer a two-week trial. This means you can try the hearing in your day-to-day life before committing to buying them.

If you’re still debating whether to book an appointment to see an audiologist, RNID have a free 3-minute online hearing test that could help make up your mind. 

How do I book an appointment for a hearing test?

If your hearing has changed suddenly or you have any other symptoms such as pulsatile tinnitus, headaches or dizziness, we recommend contacting your GP.

If you would like to book an appointment with us at Leeds Audiology Clinic, you can contact us here.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Sources:

RNID Facts & Figures 

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The nights are lighter and the days are getting brighter, which can only mean one thing: it’s Spring! This time of year brings so much beauty, and we want to make sure you can hear the sounds of Spring.

If you or a loved one have been struggling to hear recently, then we encourage you to book a hearing test. We’re offering free hearing tests throughout April!

Sounds we’re listening out for this Spring

Birdsong

This time of year brings with it beautiful birdsong. The best time of day to hear birdsong is early morning when you can hear the dawn chorus. Chiff Chaffs arrive back in the UK in Spring, you can hear them as they shout their name “Chiff Chaff, Chiff Chaff”. Other birds you’ll hear in Spring are the Great Tit, Chaffinch, Robin and Wren. You can listen to them on the Woodland Trust website here.

Babbling Brook

As the temperatures warm up, the ice and snow from higher ground  begins to melt and the streams and waterfalls across the UK begin to thrive. Not just a beautiful sight, but the gentle sound of running water over stones is one of the most soothing. Spring is the perfect time to get into nature and take in the sights and sounds.

People

The warmer, drier days, lighter nights and school holidays throughout Spring mean there are more people out and about. Walking dogs, riding bikes, taking part in sports and children playing. The streets and countryside are filled with not only natures sounds but the sounds of people soaking up the nicer weather and having fun!

April Showers

We’ve had plenty of showers so far this Spring! Similar to the calming sounds of a babbling brook, the sound of gentle rain against the window is so relaxing. Rain sounds are amongst the most popular background noise and sleep videos on Youtube. You can listen here.

Buzzing Bees

Spring is one of the busiest times for bees as they emerge from their nests to find food. Bees generate their buzz through the rapid vibration of their wings. The buzzing is used for communication, defense and pollination and can be adjusted depending on the situation. You can learn more about the sound of bees and have a listen here.

Do I need a hearing test?

If this is a question you’ve been asking yourself lately, then it’s worth arranging a hearing test. If you’re still unsure, check out our recent blog “Do I need a Hearing Test?“

If you’ve noticed a change in your hearing or are missing out on some of these Autumnal sounds, please get in touch to book a hearing assessment.

To book an appointment with us, please visit our contact page here.

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Park Square is a tranquil green haven surrounded by Georgian buildings, nestled in the vibrant heart of Leeds City Centre. As March marks Women’s History Month, we want to shine a spotlight on some of the legendary ladies of Park Square.

A brief history of Park Square

Park Square in Leeds city centre was built between 1788 and 1810. Developed as an exclusive residential area, it featured private gardens reserved for its privileged residents. The square was designed with the city’s elite in mind. It was home to merchants, members of the clergy, lawyers.

During the Victorian era, Park Square was a centre for medical practitioners who were involved in the development of the Leeds School of Medicine (1831). The Square was once called the Harley Street of the North due to the large number of doctors holding offices there.

Fast-forward to the 1900s, and Park Square became known for its barristers and solicitors whose offices dotted the area. More recently, there’s been a resurgence of the medical community, as new clinics and practices have opened their doors, bringing the square’s story full circle.

Legendary Ladies of Park Square

Edith Pechey

Dr Edith Pechey, born in England in 1845, worked as a governess and teacher until 1869. She joined the Edinburgh Seven, becoming one of the first seven female undergraduate medical students at any British university. She was Yorkshire’s first woman doctor and had her consulting rooms in Park Square from 1877 to 1883. During her time in Leeds, Dr Pechey opened a free dispensary in Holbeck which was entirely staffed by women.

After leaving Park Square, Dr Pechey moved to India and started training programmes for women at the Cama Hospital in Mumbai. She worked tirelessly to counteract prejudices against women and made the case for equal pay and opportunities for female medical workers.

You can read more about Dr Pechey’s remarkable career on Wikipedia.

You can find a blue plaque dedicated to Dr Pechey a 8 Park Square East  in the centre of Leeds.

Eliza Stafford

The Dripping Riot of 1865

A decade before Dr Pechey opened her consulting rooms, 8 Park Square was home to the surgeon and magistrate Henry Chorley. In 1865, Chorley discovered that his cook, Eliza Stafford, was stealing dripping from his kitchen. He pressed charges, and on 23rd January 1865, local magistrates found Eliza guilty of stealing 2lb of dripping, sentencing her to one month in Armley Gaol.

Sympathy for Eliza surged, and people heckled Chorley, chanting “dripping, dripping”, whenever he appeared in public. On the morning of her release, on 22nd February, thousands gathered at the prison gates to greet her. The police had feared a disturbance so Eliza left prison at 7am by a back door. When the crowds discovered that she’d gone, they made their way to Henry Chorley’s residence at 8 Park Square.

The crowd grew, throwing bricks at police and smashing windows. The disturbance continued throughout the day with police from Bradford and military assistance requested to control the crowd. By mid-afternoon, police charged at the crowd and moved them entirely out of Park Square resulting in the trampling of George Hodson.

You can read more about the Dripping Riot of 1865 here.

For more legendary Leeds ladies, check out this Secret Library – Leeds Libraries Heritage Blog!

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Every year on 3rd March, the world comes together to celebrate World Hearing Day. A day dedicated to raising awareness about hearing loss prevention and the importance of hearing care. At Leeds Audiology Clinic, these aims resonate deeply with us. That’s why we celebrate World Hearing Day each year, sharing valuable tips and information to help protect your hearing and enhance your quality of life.

How loud is too loud?

The best answers to this question can be found at RNID. Here are a couple of key points that are explained on the page:

• Sounds under 85dB are safe to listen to without hearing protection
• The amount of time you’re exposed to noise matters – 15 minutes in an average nightclub playing music at 100dB can cause damage
• If you can’t talk to someone 2m away without shouting because of background noise, it’s too loud!

How can I protect my hearing?

There are lots of ways to protect your hearing such as:

• Turning down the volume – whether that’s the TV, radio or through headphones
• Take regular breaks when wearing headphones or listening to loud music – just five minutes every hour or so can help
• Wear hearing protection when you can’t avoid loud situations
• Limit the length of time you’re exposed to loud sounds

You can find out more about hearing protection by visiting our blog; Should I Wear Earplugs?

Do I need a hearing test?

If you’re wondering whether you or a loved one should book a hearing test, answer this short quiz below to find out!

Do you have problems hearing the TV or radio at a volume that is loud enough for others?

Are you over the age of 50?

Do you feel embarrassed when you meet new people because you struggle to hear? 

Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a busy restaurant or pub? 

Does your hearing affect you at work? 

Do you sometimes just nod and smile when talking to someone because you’re unable to clearly hear them?  

Is there a history of hearing loss in your family? 

Do you have tinnitus (ringing in your ears)? 

Does a hearing problem cause frustration and arguments with friends and family? 

Do you find you have to ask people to repeat themselves often?

If you answered yes to  3 or more of these questions, it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested by an audiologist.

Take action for better hearing this World Hearing Day

If you or someone you care about is experiencing difficulties with hearing, it’s vital not to delay seeking help. Whether that means contacting Leeds Audiology Clinic, your GP, or another qualified audiologist, prompt action is key. Do not put off addressing hearing concerns and reach out today for support and guidance.

You can contact us here for further information or to book an appointment.

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It’s been a little while since we’ve shown our faces so we thought we’d reintroduce ourselves with an about us post!

We’re a local family-owned and run independent hearing clinic based in the heart of Leeds. Our main goal at the Leeds Audiology Clinic is to help those suffering from hearing loss in a sensitive manner and comfortable upmarket environment. We understand the serious impacts of hearing loss and take time to reassure and help clients in every way we can.

So.. who are we?

Bev

First up, we have our lovely head of reception, Bev. Bev has been with us at LAC from the get-go, working behind the scenes since we opened in 2018. For the last few years, Bev has managed reception during the week. She’ll be one of the first smiling faces you see when you arrive for your appointment at LAC. If you have any queries when you arrive for your appointment or need any help, Bev is happy to help!

Andrew

Born and bred in Leeds, Andrew has worked at several hospitals in England and Scotland, as well as private practice, over his two decades working as an audiologist. He’s our founder and senior audiologist here at LAC! Andrew has been deaf in one ear since childhood and is very knowledgeable and sympathetic when it comes to hearing loss. He is an expert witness in audiology medico-legal claims for hearing damage.

Emily

If you’ve been to LAC you’re likely to have met our clinic manager Emily. She’s been here since day one and runs the clinic day to day. After graduating with a BA(Hons) from Leeds Arts University, Emily has played a pivotal role in developing the business. She runs the administration side of the Leeds Audiology Clinic, including our marketing, advertising, social media and business accounts.
Emily has taken a great interest in audiology in her eight years of working at LAC and has recently completed training in microsuction and irrigation ear wax removal. She hopes to further continue her studies at university later this year.

Oliver

Oliver has made great strides with all things technical here the LAC. From web design to managing our IT systems, he helps the machinery stay working. Oliver works part-time at the LAC whilst working as an experienced professional animator.

Juno

One thing about us is that we love our dog. Juno is an important part of the Leeds Audiology Clinic family. As a family business, and being at the clinic more often, Juno works two to three days a week with us. She specialises in collecting sticks from the park and barking at the postie.

Our Ethos

Our main goal at the Leeds Audiology Clinic is to help those suffering from hearing loss in a sensitive manner and upmarket environment. We understand the serious impacts of hearing loss and take time to reassure and help clients in every way we can.

From the moment you step through the door we aim to offer you a different experience to High Street retailers. We are here to listen and help you through your journey to better hearing.

To book an appointment with one of our audiologists or for any queries, you can contact us here.

To keep up to date with us at LAC don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

The post About Us appeared first on Leeds Audiology Clinic.

Can I bring my pet to my appointment?

Yes! While the clinic rooms will always be pet-free for hygiene reasons, our reception area is dog-friendly. All we ask is that you give us a heads up before you arrive with your furry friends. We’re lucky to have lovely Park Square right outside, so your pooch can burn off some energy before relaxing in reception with a fresh bowl of water and some biscuits.

We love your pets!

We love hearing all about your pets and are lucky to have so many animal-loving clients. We’re even luckier to have met some of our clients’ pets when they’ve called in for a visit.

Do we offer hearing tests for pets?

This is a genuine question that we’ve been asked before! And sadly there answer is no, we don’t offer hearing tests for pets. But you can check out our previous blog on this subject if you’re interested in finding out more!

If you’d like to book an appointment with us, you can contact us here.

To keep up with what’s going on at LAC, why not follow us on Instagram and Facebook?

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Ways to show your ears some love

Clean with care

If your ears are feeling blocked, uncomfortable or itchy, it can be so tempting to poke around in there for some relief. Please don’t! Avoid using cotton buds as you could risk pushing the wax further in and causing damage. Arrange an appointment with your GP or audiologist to check for and safely remove any wax blockages. For more information on ear wax removal, you can check out our blog here.

Protect your ears

If your Valentine’s plans will be in a noisy environment like a gig, club or sporting event, then it’s worth taking earplugs to protect your hearing. If you’re not sure if you should be wearing earplugs, then ‘Should I wear earplugs?‘ may be for you!

Keep the volume down

Keeping your music, podcasts or favourite show at a safe volume is really important, especially when wearing headphones. It’s also a good idea to take regular breaks from your headphones, about five minutes every hour will give your ears a good rest. You can find out more information on listening to music safely from RNID here.

Regular ear checks

It’s so common to have our eyesight checked every two years or our teeth checked every six months but it’s easy to forget about our ears. How often you should have an ear check or hearing test differs depending on your age and various risk factors. The general rule of thumb is:
Under 50 years old – Every 3 to 5 years
50-60 years old – Every 1 to 3 years
Over 60 – Every year
If you work in a noisy environment – Every year
If you wear hearing aids – Every 1 to 2 years

If you notice any difference with your hearing or ears at any time, then it’s worth arranging an appointment with your GP or an audiologist as soon as you can to check that everything is okay.

Show your ears some love and book an ear check today!
Contact us:
hello@leedsaudiologyclinic.co.uk
0113 8800 190
Instagram
Facebook

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The Statistics

The following information is from the Royal British Legion’s Report Understanding the Impact of Hearing Impairment on Working Age UK Armed Forces Veterans. The research for this report was carried out by the University of Chester’s Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans. It is the first large-scale independent research study into hearing loss with working-age Armed Forces veterans.

• Veterans are 2.33 times more likely to experience hearing loss than civilians
• Veterans are 1.6 times more likely to experience tinnitus than civilians
• 55% of Veterans who reported hearing loss noticed it during Service
• Those who deploy are 1.98 times more likely to experience hearing loss than those who don’t
• According to Veterans for Veterans, it’s estimated that there are a minimum of 300,000 ex-service people who suffer from hearing loss in the UK

Veterans for Veterans

Veterans for Veterans is a dedicated team of seasoned veterans from every branch of the military. They’re committed to helping veterans secure the compensation they deserve for service-related injuries. They have selected a team of experienced legal experts who specialise in Armed Forces claims. For more information on Veterans for Veterans, or to check your eligibility, click here.

Hearing Loss Guidance According to the British Legion

“If you have served in HM Forces on or after 15th May 1987, or if you are still serving in HM Forces, you may be able to claim Hearing Loss.

If you believe your Hearing Loss, including the complications of tinnitus, earache, fatigue, stress and social isolation, were caused by service you may be entitled to compensation.

You may be able to apply even if you have previously been rejected for, or if you received a previous award under a War Pensions or AFCS claim.

An agreement exists whereby the MOD has determined it will not raise defences involving the limitation period in which to bring a claim, together with Crown and Combat Immunity. This is subject to a formula known as the Matrix, which looks at dates of service and the amount of compensation to decide an award.”

Claims under the Matrix Agreement for hearing loss caused by service must be lodge by 23:59 hours on 30th January 2026.

Military Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

People serving in the British armed forces often experience noise-induce hearing loss (NIHL) during their service. This may result from loud noise during training or operations, use of heavy machinery, live fire exercises, or working near aircraft.

Symptoms of NIHL typically include:

Tinnitus
Difficulty understanding speech
Muffled hearing
Sensitivity to certain sounds

To learn more about NIHL, you can visit our previous blog on the subject here.

To check if you’re eligible to make a claim, you can visit Veterans for Veterans here.

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Music is a universal language that moves us, stirs emotions, and brings people together. For those experiencing hearing loss, enjoying music might feel more challenging, but it certainly isn’t out of reach. Advancements in hearing technology mean it’s entirely possible to rediscover the pleasure music can bring.

Muddy, muddled, or muffled? Understanding the perception of audio quality in music by hearing aid users

A 2024 study by researchers at the University of Leeds’ School of Music found that some hearing aid users were struggling to get a good music listening experience from their hearing aids. The team reached out to 1,500 hearing aid users and 100 clinicians to find out more about music listening behaviour among hearing aid users. You can read here what project leader Professor Alinka Greasley has to say about the research project and how it came to be. Professor Greasley is now working on The Cadenza Project using AI to investigate signal processing strategies for people with hearing loss. You can find more about the project here.

Will a hearing aid help?

Music Modes

Reduced Noise Reduction: This turns off aggressive algorithms that can strip away musical nuances

Wider Frequency Response: This captures both deep bass and crisp treble

Disabled Feedback Management: This stops the aid from mistaking music for whistling and cutting it off

Microphones work omnidirectionally: This allows sounds from all directions and not just the front

Making the most of technology

If you think you might need a hearing test, you can check out our blog ‘Do I need a Hearing Test?‘

To book a hearing test or for more information, you can contact the clinic here.

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As we welcome in the New Year, we’ve been reflecting on 2025, and wow, what a year it’s been! We are deeply grateful to our loyal clients, both old and new, who have supported our independent family business over the years.

Since our opening in 2017, we’ve made several changes to the clinic. You can check out our clinic room refurb in 2022 and our reception revamp last year!

Some things never change, though, which is why we’re still delivering the same excellent customer service at the same price. Our goal for 2026 is ensuring our customers have happy new ears!

But, before we look ahead to the future, we wanted to share a little positivity recap of 2025 to beat the January blues. You can find some of our 2025 highlights below!

Happy New Ears! – Wax Removal

In 2025 we cleaned over 2,000 ears of wax! But what is ear wax removal and who needs it? If you’re unsure, you can check out our previous blog, Ear Wax Removal, What’s it all About? for more information.

5-star Reviews

2025 was the year that we hit over 1,000 5-star reviews! Reviews have been so important to our little business and we are deeply grateful to every single person who has left us a review, shared our social media posts or recommended us to someone in their life. We read every review that comes our way to ensure that our clients receive the best customer service possible.

Hearing Tests

Over the last year we tested over 200 clients for hearing loss. On average, people wait 10 years after having a hearing test before doing something about it. If you’re wondering if you should have a hearing test, visit our previous blog Do I Need a Hearing Test? for more information!

Custom Ear Impressions

And lastly, we took over 100 pairs of impressions in 2025. Some of the products we take impressions for include custom hearing protection, swim plugs, sleep plugs, in-ear monitors and custom hearing aids.

We’re lucky to have had so many highlights over the last year and can’t wait to see what 2026 brings! Thank you again to our lovely clients for the continued support. We are so grateful.

To keep up to date with our latest happenings, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

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