When we're feeling off colour, we all know to make a trip to the doctor  - but when we feel we're not hearing as well as we should, are we all as quick to book a hearing test?

Hearing loss affects millions of people in the UK alone yet those who go on to attend a hearing test, or wear hearing aids, is only a fraction of this number. Why is this? Hearing tests are simple, straightforward, painless and available free of charge on the High Street.  Boots hearingcare have been offering free hearing tests in the UK for over 10 years and their hearing tests can help to put your mind at rest if you feel you're not hearing as well as you used to.

An initial 'hearing health check' takes about 15 minutes and will determine the health of your ears and the general standard of your hearing. Depending on the results, it might be recommended that you take a full hearing assessment; this standard Boots hearing test lasts about an hour and includes five stages

First the Hearing Aid Audiologist will discuss your areas of concern - and how any problems with your hearing are affecting your everyday life.  Some hearing problems can be due to illness or a hereditary condition so you'll also discuss your medical history.

The next stage is a physical check of your ears - dulled hearing can be due to something as straightforward as ear wax - if this is the case your Boots Hearing Aid Audiologist will refer you to your GP for treatment.

Similar to the hearing tests we used to have at school, the Hearing Aid Audiologist will then ask you to put on a pair of headphones and respond to a number of sounds played via a computer. Your responses will be plotted onto a graph called an Audiogram which will clearly display the pattern of any hearing loss.

The results of your hearing test are available for you to view immediately and your Hearing Aid Audiologist will talk you through your audiogram, what it means and, if appropriate, discuss possible hearing solutions and next steps with you. If you do require a hearing aid then you can try one there and then on the day - to hear for yourself the difference they could make.

Sounds simple? It is - but it could make a real difference to your enjoyment of life, so why not book a free hearing test at your local Boots hearingcare centre today?