Audiology in Horsforth
Independent hearing care for Horsforth’s commuters, families and professionals — hearing tests, hearing aids, tinnitus and custom earplugs all under one roof.
Are you tired of not hearing well?
“I nod along in meetings because I’ve lost the thread of the conversation”
“Video calls are exhausting — I’m lip-reading half the time”
“My open-plan office is a nightmare for hearing anything clearly”
“I get off the train and my ears are still ringing”
“I know I am avoiding socialising because of my hearing”
“I keep meaning to get it checked but can never find a weekday slot”
If any of these sound familiar, you are far from alone. Hearing difficulties build so gradually that most people adapt around them for years before seeking help — and for anyone commuting into Leeds each day, juggling meetings, video calls and a young family, finding the time to address it can feel like the hardest part. The good news is that a proper assessment takes less time than you think, and early appointments and Saturdays are available to fit around your week.
Full-service audiology for Horsforth
Horsforth’s mix of daily commuters heading into Leeds, professionals working in open-plan offices, and young families around the village centre and the Leeds Bradford Airport flightpath means hearing concerns here rarely fit into one neat category. Noise fatigue from a long week of trains and meetings sits alongside first hearing checks for children starting school, and the occasional blocked ear that just needs cleaning.
The Hearing Space is a genuinely independent audiology clinic covering hearing tests, hearing aid fitting, tinnitus management, and ear wax removal — all delivered personally by Paul Shaw MSc, Consultant Audiologist and Clinical Scientist with over 30 years of experience.
We’re based in Roundhay, an 18–22 minute drive from Horsforth via the A65 and the outer ring road, with free parking at the clinic. If you’re leaving the car at home, we’re also a straightforward taxi ride from Horsforth train station.
Independent Hearing Care for Horsforth
We provide professional, evidence-based audiology services. Unlike big High Street chains and Optician-Based providers, we are local, independent, and always at hand should you need speedy access to your audiologist.
All our Hearing Care Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee; however, it is very rare that clients return their hearing devices. We take the time to adjust, optimise and support all our hearing device fittings. We fit all major brands: Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Starkey and ReSound.
What happens at your appointment
Every visit starts with a conversation, not a form.
1. A proper conversation
We start by understanding your hearing history, your lifestyle and exactly where you’re struggling — whether that’s a noisy commute, a packed meeting room, or a toddler who doesn’t always respond to their name.
2. A full hearing evaluation
Pure tone audiometry, speech-in-noise testing and tympanometry give us a complete picture of how your hearing performs in the real world, not just in a quiet room.
3. Honest, independent advice
Sometimes the answer is hearing aids. Sometimes it’s tinnitus management, a referral for ear wax removal, or simply reassurance that nothing is wrong. Paul tells you what he’d tell his own family.
4. A trial, if it’s right for you
If hearing aids are recommended, you can trial them on the day and take a pair home for a week before deciding — no pressure, no commitment.
5. Precise fitting with real-ear measurements
Many providers skip this step. We don’t. Real-ear measurements confirm the sound reaching your eardrum matches exactly what your hearing needs.
6. Ongoing care that doesn’t stop at the door
Hearing Care Plans include annual reviews, unlimited aftercare for 4 years, and loan devices if yours ever need repair.
Ready to hear clearly again?
Book a hearing evaluation or call us to talk through your options. No pressure, no obligation.
Private audiology vs NHS vs the high street
Horsforth residents have several routes to hearing care. Here’s an honest comparison.
| Feature | The Hearing Space | NHS Audiology | High-Street Chains |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP referral needed | ✓ No — book directly | GP referral required | No, but sales-led |
| Wait for appointment | ✓ Within days | Can be months | Usually quick |
| Appointment length | ✓ 45–90 minutes | Typically 30–45 mins | 15–20 minutes |
| Speech-in-noise testing | ✓ Always included | Sometimes included | Rarely included |
| Real-ear measurements | ✓ Always performed | Variable | Often skipped |
| Sales pressure | ✓ None — independent | None | Commission-based |
| Hearing aid brands | ✓ All major brands | NHS devices only | Tied brands only |
| Same audiologist throughout | ✓ Always | Variable | Variable |
| Home visits | ✓ Available | Limited | Rarely |
Since April 2024, over 600 Leeds residents raised concerns with Healthwatch Leeds about changes to NHS audiology provision. For commuters and working parents in particular, waiting months for an NHS appointment is rarely practical — private care is often the more realistic option.
Paul Shaw – Clinical Director
Consultant Audiologist · Clinical Scientist · Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser
- Qualified as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology, 1994
- 10 years as specialist paediatric audiologist, NHS
- 10 years leading the BSc Audiology degree, University of Leeds
- Published scientific research and national test protocols
- Founded The Hearing Space in 2022
- Top 3 audiologists in Leeds — ThreeBestRated 2025
- One of the 8 best audiologists in the UK — OX Magazine 2026
- Recommended by ENT Consultants at Leeds Teaching Hospitals
- Member of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme
MSc (Audiology)
PGCTLHE (Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education)
Registered Clinical Scientist (Audiology) (HCPC)
Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser (HCPC)
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Getting to The Hearing Space from Horsforth
We’re based at Margaret House, 2 Devonshire Crescent, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 1EP, with free parking at the clinic. Here are approximate drive times from Horsforth and the surrounding area.
| Area | Approximate drive time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Horsforth | 18–22 mins | A65 / outer ring road |
| Rawdon | 20–25 mins | A65 towards Yeadon |
| Yeadon | 20–25 mins | A65, near Leeds Bradford Airport |
| Guiseley | 22–26 mins | A65 / A6120 |
| Cookridge | 15–18 mins | Otley Road / ring road |
| Kirkstall | 15–20 mins | A65 / Kirkstall Road |
| Headingley | 12–15 mins | Otley Road / Street Lane |
| Bramhope | 18–22 mins | A660 |
Frequently asked questions
How far is The Hearing Space from Horsforth?
We’re based at Margaret House, 2 Devonshire Crescent, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 1EP. From Horsforth, the drive is approximately 18-22 minutes via the A65 and the outer ring road. Free parking is available at the clinic, or we’re a short taxi ride from Horsforth train station.
What does a full audiology assessment cost?
A Hearing Evaluation is £115 and covers a full assessment, speech-in-noise testing and a device trial on the day if appropriate. Hearing Care Plans, if hearing aids are recommended, range from £2,950 to £4,750 and include fitting, aftercare and annual reviews. Children’s assessments are available on request — please call for details.
Can I book an early morning or Saturday appointment around my commute?
Yes. We offer appointments Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm, with online booking available at any time. If you need something outside these hours to fit around a commute, please call us and we’ll do what we can to help.
Do you treat tinnitus as well as hearing loss?
Yes. Tinnitus assessment and management is one of Paul’s particular areas of expertise, and many of the hearing aids we fit include tinnitus management features where relevant.
Do I need a GP referral to book an appointment?
No. You can book directly online or by calling 0113 8730444, with no referral required.
Can my child be seen if their school flagged a hearing concern?
Yes. We assess children from age 3 upwards using age-appropriate techniques including play audiometry and OAE testing. Paul is happy to share a summary of findings with your GP or school if that would help.
What if I just need my ears cleared of wax — do I need a full test?
Not necessarily. Ear wax removal is available as a standalone visit using microsuction. If a build-up is affecting your hearing more broadly, we may also suggest a full evaluation while you’re with us.
Is there parking at the clinic if I'm not taking the train in?
Yes, free parking is available directly at the clinic on Devonshire Crescent.
Take the first step towards better hearing
Book a hearing evaluation or call us today. No pressure, no obligation — just honest, independent advice.