“Booked for my nan to have her hearing test done at home and was extremely pleased with the service she received. Liam was really polite and patient with her, by far the best we've had to date. Absolutely recommend.”
Daniel · Google

Free home hearing tests
Durham is a beautiful place to live and hard work to get into when you're not as steady as you once were. The hills, the narrow streets and the climb up toward the Cathedral make a trip into the city tiring, and that's before you've waited to be seen. So we don't ask you to come to us. Hear Better's HCPC-registered audiologists carry out free home hearing tests across Durham City and the surrounding villages, from Gilesgate and Framwellgate Moor to Newton Hall, Bowburn and Bearpark. The same professional test you'd get in a clinic, done at your own table, with no clinic to travel to and no pressure to buy a thing.
100% freeNo obligation5.0 from 40+ Google reviews
Our promise
Your home hearing test in Durham is free and carried out by an HCPC-registered audiologist. There's no obligation, and if you don't need anything after the test, you owe us nothing.
After your test, your results are explained in plain English with honest guidance on what may help next. There is no obligation to buy hearing aids and no pressure to book further care.
No obligation. No pressure. Clear advice.
Local home hearing care
For many of our Durham patients, the test itself was never the problem. Getting to it was. The city centre is small, busy and built on a hill, and plenty of people live out in the former pit villages where being seen somewhere means a bus into town and a fair walk at either end. A home visit takes the trip out of it completely. A qualified audiologist comes to your door, whether you're in Nevilles Cross or out in Sherburn, and you're seen in your own front room rather than a waiting area.
The hills and the cobbles are part of what makes Durham, Durham, but they turn a simple errand into a tiring one when you're older or your balance isn't great. If you're arranging a test for a parent in Gilesgate or Framwellgate Moor, we can book it over the phone and keep you updated throughout.
You can also learn more about free home hearing tests, ear wax removal in Durham, independent hearing aids or contact Hear Better.
What to expect
The appointment is unhurried and tends to take about an hour. Your audiologist arrives with the same professional kit you'd find in a clinic and runs a full check of your hearing, then sits with you and explains what it all means in language that actually makes sense. If your hearing is in good shape, we'll happily tell you. If it isn't, we'll set out your options clearly and let you take your time.
We ask about your hearing, lifestyle, symptoms and any concerns you or your family have noticed.
Your audiologist carries out a hearing check using professional equipment in your home or workplace.
You receive clear guidance on what your results mean and whether further support may be useful.
If hearing aids or further care may help, your options are explained clearly without pressure.
What patients say
“Booked for my nan to have her hearing test done at home and was extremely pleased with the service she received. Liam was really polite and patient with her, by far the best we've had to date. Absolutely recommend.”
Daniel · Google
“Got in touch with Hear Better for a wax removal. Liam was very caring and patient with me. I can hear much more clearly. Will be returning in the future, thank you.”
Ashleigh · Google
“Excellent service. Could not do enough to help choose the right hearing aids. Would recommend Liam.”
Raymond · Google
“I had ear wax removal from Liam and I couldn't recommend him enough. Very helpful and friendly. Great service, thanks again Liam.”
Lauren · Google
“Couldn't thank Liam enough for helping my grandad get some new hearing aids. Very professional and got an appointment straight away. Highly recommend.”
Natasha · Google
“I had my ear wax removed by Liam, he was great and my hearing has improved massively.”
Katie · Google
Independent hearing aids
Because Hear Better is fully independent, our advice isn't shaped by any one brand. If the test shows hearing aids would make a difference, we fit from every major manufacturer, Starkey, Phonak, Oticon, Widex and Signia, and match you to the one that fits your hearing, your daily life and your budget. We fit them in your own home in Durham, including the newest rechargeable, Bluetooth and AI models, with lifetime aftercare included for the whole time you wear them.
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Why home care
A home hearing test in Durham means nobody has to face the walk into the centre or wait for a bus in the cold. You're seen at home, in comfort, and the test is still done properly with professional equipment and clear results.

Patient reviews
Hear Better is rated 5.0 from more than 40 Google reviews across the North East. Here is what some of our patients say.
Read all reviews on GoogleDaniel Lyons
Booked for my nan to have her hearing test done at home and was extremely pleased with the service she received. Liam was really polite and patient with her, by far the best we've had to date. Absolutely recommend.
Ashleigh Longstaff
Got in touch with Hear Better for a wax removal. Liam was very caring and patient with me. I can hear much more clearly. Will be returning in the future, thank you.
Raymond Curry
Excellent service. Could not do enough to help choose the right hearing aids. Would recommend Liam.
Lauren Collins
I had ear wax removal from Liam and I couldn't recommend him enough. Very helpful and friendly. Great service, thanks again Liam.
Natasha Gould
Couldn't thank Liam enough for helping my grandad get some new hearing aids. Very professional and got an appointment straight away. Highly recommend.
Katie Blewitt
I had my ear wax removed by Liam, he was great and my hearing has improved massively.
Simon Peel
Service was excellent. Liam came out to test my gran and she is over the moon with her new hearing aids. Highly recommend.
Daniel Butler
I got in contact with Hear Better for ear wax removal. They got straight back in touch and organised an appointment in no time at all. Feel like I can hear much better now, thanks again.
Jack Stoves
Excellent service from Hear Better. The audiologist who came to test my nanna was very polite and professional. She is over the moon with her new hearing aids. Highly recommend.
Ruth Warburton
Wow! Liam was so friendly and reassuring from start to finish. Very punctual and professional.
Jossy Coxon
Liam came to the care home to fit my gran some hearing aids. He was so patient and caring and explained everything so well so she could understand. I couldn't recommend this company enough.
Krystina Bowman
Great service by Liam for ear wax removal. Would definitely recommend. Thanks Liam.
Keith Brown
Had excellent service from Liam. Very friendly and great attention to detail. Did my hearing test and recommended aids with a loop setting as requested. Working well with great after-sales service. Thoroughly recommend.
Connor Graham
Had wax removal by Liam, very professional, quick appointment, what a lovely guy. Highly recommended!
Laurence
I have worn hearing aids, both NHS and private, for over 50 years, so I know what I want. I wanted the opinion of an independent audiologist. The ones Liam supplied are the best I've had.
Lee Dearden
Had my ear wax removed by Liam, he was great, would highly recommend him.
Danielle Lawson
Booked a hearing test for my granny. The test was very thorough and informative. The new hearing aids have been working amazing for her, she's very happy with them. Would highly recommend Liam at Hear Better.
Raymond D
I had so much wax built up over the years and had never been able to hear properly. Liam was so calm and so professional, I can't thank him enough.
Allan Short
Liam was excellent when he visited my mother today. We are very grateful.
Dean Francis
Just had ear wax removal, very relieved. Top bloke and would definitely recommend.
Ken Kennedy
Liam was absolutely brilliant with my mum, going over and above. It's a relief to the whole family that she can finally hear clearly again, just in time for Christmas too. Thank you!
Usman Din
I had a great experience with the wax removal treatment. The process was quick, gentle and surprisingly comfortable. Liam was professional and made sure I felt at ease throughout. Definitely recommend!
Mitchel Wareham
Such a smooth and friendly experience, my hearing has improved immensely. Can't thank Liam enough.
James Pigg
Excellent service, booked myself in for a wax removal. Couldn't have been easier, Liam was very friendly and the whole process was a breeze. Would highly recommend.
Jonathan Catton
I cannot praise Liam enough for the incredible support he has given my nana with her hearing problems. From the very first visit he was patient, understanding and reassuring, taking the time to listen and explain everything.
Pete Smith
I had ear wax removal done through this company, class service and Liam is very professional and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend using them.
David Robinson
Used Hear Better a couple of times. Liam is professional and friendly, explains what he's doing every step of the way, and I was left feeling highly satisfied. Couldn't recommend enough!
Kerry Rowlands
Amazing ear wax removal from Liam, would definitely recommend. Quick and easy, great service.
Paula
Liam is so caring and very understanding. My dad is totally over the moon with his new hearing aids and the service from Liam. I would highly recommend without any doubt.
Alice O'Hare
I was unable to hear due to an ear wax blockage and Liam came out to me within days of contact. He quickly diagnosed the problem and started treatment immediately.
Kirsty Wallace
Amazing service, highly recommend. Would never go anywhere else now.
Noble Handyman
I was suffering with tinnitus and was recommended Liam for a check-up and ear wax clean. He was great, very professional and informative, and I've already felt a massive difference. Highly recommend.
Steven Brymer
The specialist was professional and efficient but kept me at ease the whole time with his friendly manner. Have referred my grandad for a hearing aid and managed to get an appointment quickly.
Toa Heftiba
The smoothest experience I've ever had. Very professional and helpful. Highly recommend.
Coverage
We visit homes across Durham City and the wider area: Gilesgate, Elvet, Nevilles Cross, Framwellgate Moor, Pity Me, Newton Hall and Belmont, and out to the villages of Bowburn, Sherburn, Bearpark, Ushaw Moor, Langley Park and Brandon. If you live a little further out, a quick call will tell you if we reach you.
Areas we cover
We also carry out free home hearing tests across the wider North East, including Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Darlington and Middlesbrough.
Frequently asked
Both. As well as the city centre and its suburbs, we regularly visit homes in Bowburn, Sherburn, Bearpark, Ushaw Moor, Langley Park and the surrounding villages. If your village isn't listed, ring us and we'll let you know.
Much easier. There's no trip into the city and no waiting room. She's seen in her own front room at a time that suits, which for a lot of older people in Durham is the difference between getting their hearing checked and putting it off again.
Yes, and there's no obligation. If you don't need anything after the test, you owe us nothing.
We can usually arrange a home visit within 24 to 48 hours.
We're independent and fit every major brand, recommending what truly suits you, fitted at home with lifetime aftercare included.
Yes. Every test is done by an HCPC-registered audiologist.
Yes. Our home hearing test in Durham is free for everyone, whatever your age, so there's nothing extra to arrange if you're over 60 or a pensioner. You get the same full assessment and clear results with no obligation. The NHS offers free tests too, usually at a clinic and often with a wait, while we come to your home, frequently within 24 to 48 hours.
Helpful reading
Book a home appointment
Call 0191 7166 640 or request a visit online. An HCPC-registered audiologist comes to you, with clear results and no pressure to buy anything.
Home and workplace appointments available across the North East.
Mon-Fri | 9AM-5PM
Call now