Private hearing test in Stirling

Private hearing tests at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling 

Changes in your hearing can develop gradually, making them easy to overlook at first.  

You may notice yourself increasing the volume on the television, asking others to repeat themselves, or finding it harder to follow conversations in busy environments. 

At Kings Park Hospital, you can access private hearing tests in Stirling with fast access to a specialist assessment, accurate results, and personalised advice in a calm and professional setting. Tests are carried out by experienced audiology and ENT specialists who are trained in diagnosing a wide range of hearing conditions. 

Our aim is to give you a clear understanding of your hearing health, helping you take the right steps to maintain communication, confidence, and overall wellbeing. 

From your initial consultation right through to receiving your results, your care is thorough, structured, and tailored to your individual symptoms and concerns.

How much does a private hearing test cost at Kings Park Hospital?

The cost of a private hearing test depends on the type of assessment required and whether any additional investigations or follow-up care are needed. 

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover. 

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR. 

What happens during a private hearing test? 

Your appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, including when you first noticed changes in your hearing and whether one or both ears are affected.  

You may also be asked about tinnitus, dizziness, ear discomfort, and any exposure to loud noise. 

Your audiologist will review your medical history to build a complete picture of your hearing health before carrying out a series of simple, painless tests. 

Otoscopy 

An otoscopy is a quick, painless, and safe examination where your audiologist uses a handheld tool called an otoscope (or auriscope) to investigate your ear canal and eardrum (tympanic membrane). It helps detect infections, wax build up, or damage by visualising your ear’s health, usually taking only a few minutes. 

Pure tone audiometry

Pure tone audiometry (PTA) is a behavioural, non-invasive hearing test that measures the softest, quietest sounds a person can hear (hearing thresholds) at different frequencies (pitches).  

Speech testing

Speech testing, or speech audiometry, measures how well you hear and understand spoken words at different volumes, often using recorded words or an audiologist's voice through headphones. You will be asked to repeat words to determine your speech reception threshold (softest level heard) and word recognition ability (clarity of speech)  

Tympanometry 

Tympanometry is a quick, painless diagnostic test that measures how well your eardrum moves and assesses your middle ear function by changing air pressure. It helps diagnose conditions like fluid behind the eardrum, middle ear infections, and regular ear infections.  

These tests are non-invasive and typically take between 30 and 60 minutes. Throughout your appointment, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your concerns. 

Why should you have a hearing test? 

Hearing changes are not always obvious, and many people adapt gradually without realising their hearing has declined. 

Early assessment can help identify hearing loss before it begins to significantly impact your daily life. It can also prevent further deterioration and reduce the social and emotional effects associated with untreated hearing problems. 

In some cases, symptoms may be caused by temporary or treatable conditions such as earwax build-up or mild middle ear issues.  

A hearing test provides clarity and allows appropriate treatment to be started quickly. 

Private hearing tests also offer faster access to care and a more personalised experience, helping you take control of your hearing health without unnecessary delays. 

The impact of hearing loss on everyday life

Hearing loss can have a noticeable impact on your everyday life, often in ways that develop gradually over time. You may find it more difficult to follow conversations, particularly in busy or noisy environments, which can lead to frustration.  

Simple activities such as talking on the phone, watching television, or socialising with friends and family may become more challenging, and you might start to avoid situations where listening feels difficult.  

Over time, this can impact your overall confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing. Recognising these changes early and seeking support can make a significant difference to your physical and emotional wellbeing, helping you stay connected, maintain clear communication, and continue to enjoy day-to-day life. 

What do your hearing test results mean?

After your assessment, your audiologist will explain your results clearly and in detail, ensuring you understand what they mean for your hearing health. 

Normal hearing 

If your hearing is within normal limits, you will receive reassurance along with advice on how to protect your hearing in the future. 

Types of hearing loss 

If hearing loss is detected, it will be classified into one of the following categories: 

• Conductive hearing loss, often caused by blockages or problems in the middle ear  
• Sensorineural hearing loss, related to the inner ear or auditory nerve  
• Mixed hearing loss, which involves elements of both  

Your audiologist will explain the severity of your hearing loss and how it may affect your daily life. 

Next steps

Depending on your results, this may include referral to an ENT specialist, treatment for underlying conditions, or advice on hearing aids if appropriate. 

The aim is to ensure you leave your appointment with a clear understanding and a structured plan moving forward. 

An ENT specialist, also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor, is a medical consultant who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat. They have specialist expertise in managing a wide range of issues, including hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, and problems affecting your sinuses or voice. 

In many cases, an audiologist and ENT specialist work closely together.  

For example, an audiologist might identify hearing loss during testing and refer you to an ENT specialist if there is a medical cause that needs surgical treatment to treat the internal structure of your ear. Likewise, an ENT specialist may refer you back to an audiologist for hearing aids or longer-term hearing support 

Hearing aids 

You might be advised that you need hearing aids. Getting fitted for hearing aids is a straightforward, step-by-step process designed to ensure your devices are comfortable, effective and tailored to your hearing needs. 

Once your hearing has been assessed, your audiologist will talk you through the different types of hearing aids available. This includes styles, sizes and features, such as rechargeable batteries or noise reduction technology. Together, you’ll choose an option that suits your hearing needs, lifestyle, and preferences. 

If you go ahead, the hearing aids will be programmed specifically for you using your test results. This ensures that sounds are amplified appropriately and comfortably, rather than simply made louder. In some cases, a mould of your ear may be taken to create a more customised fit, particularly for certain styles of hearing aid. 

At your fitting appointment, your audiologist will show you how to insert, remove, and care for your hearing aids. They will also make sure the fit is comfortable and adjust the settings if needed. You’ll have time to ask questions and get used to how the devices feel and sound. 

As you adjust to wearing hearing aids, your audiologist can fine-tune the settings and provide support in follow-up appointments to help you get the best possible results. With the right fit and ongoing care, hearing aids can make a significant difference to your hearing, communication, and overall quality of life. 

Can you self-refer for a private hearing test? 

Yes, you can usually self-refer for a private hearing test at Kings Park Hospital without needing a GP referral. 

Self-referral allows you to access prompt assessment as soon as you notice symptoms, rather than waiting for them to progress. 

If you plan to use private medical insurance, your provider may require a referral letter before authorising your appointment. Our team can guide you through this process if needed. 

Why choose Kings Park Hospital for your hearing test in Stirling?

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:  

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule 
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs  
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end  
• Transparent, fixed-price packages with aftercare included  
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care 

Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care.  

How to book a private hearing test in Stirling 

To book a consultation to discuss a hearing test with a specialist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.