Hearing tests, also known as audiometry tests, are a quick, painless way to check your hearing
At The Clementine Churchill Hospital in Harrow, we provide comprehensive private hearing assessments for adults who are concerned about their hearing or experiencing related symptoms such as tinnitus or dizziness. Our tests are carried out by highly qualified audiologists and ENT consultants using advanced diagnostic equipment to provide an accurate picture of your hearing health.
Hearing loss can occur gradually over time or appear suddenly, and early assessment is essential for effective management. We offer rapid access to appointments, often within just a few days, so you can get clear answers and expert guidance without long waiting times.
Whether you’ve noticed difficulty following conversations, find yourself turning the TV volume up, or have concerns about ear blockage or ringing in your ears, our specialist team can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate next steps.
A hearing test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that measures how well you hear different sounds and frequencies. It’s also known as an audiometry test. At The Clementine Churchill Hospital, your appointment will begin with a short consultation, where your audiologist discusses your symptoms, medical history, and any lifestyle factors that may affect your hearing.
They will then carry out a series of diagnostic tests to assess how sound travels through your ears and how well your auditory system processes it. This usually includes otoscopy (a visual check of the ear canal and eardrum), audiometry (testing hearing thresholds at various frequencies), and tympanometry (examining how well the eardrum moves).
Each test is quick and comfortable, and your audiologist will explain what they are doing at every stage. The entire appointment usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, and you’ll receive your results immediately afterwards. Based on your results, your audiologist may recommend treatment such as hearing aids or wax removal, or they might refer you onwards to an ENT consultant if further medical assessment is needed.
Many people delay having their hearing checked because changes often happen gradually. However, early diagnosis makes it much easier to manage hearing issues effectively. You should consider a hearing test if you frequently ask people to repeat themselves, struggle to hear in noisy environments, or feel that others mumble when speaking.
Some people notice that they turn the volume up higher than usual on the TV or phone, or that conversations in groups are becoming tiring or confusing. Even mild hearing loss can affect your confidence and daily interactions, so booking a test as soon as you notice a change is always a good idea.
We also recommend hearing checks if you are regularly exposed to loud noises, such as through music or industrial work, or if you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus).
At The Clementine Churchill Hospital, we provide hearing assessments for all types of hearing concerns, from age-related decline and noise exposure to sudden or asymmetrical hearing loss that requires prompt investigation.
The cost of a private hearing test depends on the type of assessment required as well as the consultant you choose, and whether you need onward referral to another specialist. The more comprehensive the testing, likely the more expensive it will be.
For insured patients, most major health insurance providers cover hearing assessments when medically indicated. Our hospital team can assist with pre-authorisation and provide all the information your insurer needs.
Self-pay patients can book directly without a GP referral, and we’ll always confirm pricing before your appointment. There are no hidden charges – just clear, transparent costs and fast access to expert care.
If your assessment is part of an ongoing treatment plan or involves consultation with an ENT specialist, your audiologist will explain any additional costs before proceeding.
A hearing test can reveal much more than just whether your hearing is 'good' or 'bad'. The results show exactly which frequencies or volumes you struggle to hear, helping to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.
For example, hearing loss may be due to earwax build-up, which is easily treated, or to sensorineural hearing loss, caused by changes in the inner ear or auditory nerve. Sometimes it may relate to conductive hearing loss, where sound cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear because of blockage or infection.
Your audiologist will review your results with you straight away, explain what they mean in plain language, and outline the next steps. If hearing aids could help, we can arrange a hearing aid evaluation and fitting on site. If further investigation is required, we can refer you to one of our ENT consultants for additional testing or treatment.
If you experience tinnitus – which is where you hear ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds that are not caused by an external source – a hearing test is an important first step in diagnosis. Tinnitus is often associated with some level of hearing loss, even if it’s very mild.
Your audiologist will include tests to measure your hearing sensitivity and how your ears respond to certain frequencies. They may also perform additional tinnitus-matching assessments to help understand the severity and type of sound you perceive.
Treatment for tinnitus varies depending on the cause, but may include sound therapy, hearing aids, or specialist counselling. At The Clementine Churchill Hospital, our audiologists and ENT consultants work together to create a tailored management plan that focuses on reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Once your test is complete, your audiologist will explain the results clearly and provide a written report. They will also outline any recommended treatments or next steps. For some people, this may involve hearing aids, earwax removal, or regular monitoring. Others may need onward referral for ENT review or imaging to rule out medical causes.
All follow-up appointments can be arranged directly through our team. Because we provide a consultant-led audiology service, you can be confident that any ongoing care or treatment will be coordinated efficiently and supported by medical specialists.
The Clementine Churchill Hospital is one of London’s leading private hospitals, offering high-quality diagnostic and consultant-led care in a welcoming, professional environment. Our audiology and ENT services are supported by on-site imaging, modern outpatient facilities, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
We pride ourselves on fast access to appointments, expert diagnostics, and continuity of care. From your first consultation to your results and any required treatment, every step is handled efficiently and with compassion.
Located in Harrow with easy access from surrounding areas such as Northwood, Stanmore, Ruislip, and Pinner, our hospital offers convenient parking, accessible facilities, and a calm, patient-centred setting.
To book a consultation to discuss hearing test services with an audiologist 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.
Reception: 020 8872 3872
Mon-Sun: 8am-10pm
243 spaces
