Do You Need a Referral for a Hearing Test?

A hearing assessment can measure how well you detect different sounds and tones. The clinician may also ask about ear pain, blockage, ringing, dizziness, infections, noise exposure, and medicines. Results help distinguish a hearing change that needs routine support from one that needs medical assessment.

Ask the hearing service whether you can self-book or whether it requires a GP referral. Describe whether the change affects one or both ears, when it began, and whether it fluctuates. Take hearing devices, previous results, and a list of relevant medicines if you have them. Avoid inserting objects into the ear while waiting.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, or hearing change with severe dizziness, facial weakness, head injury, significant pain, or fluid or blood from the ear. Emergency care is appropriate when symptoms are severe or accompanied by other sudden neurological changes.

Ask whether the result suggests a problem in the outer, middle, or inner ear, whether wax or infection needs treatment, and whether repeat testing or specialist review is needed. Clarify how to protect your hearing and which new symptoms should change the plan.