At-Home Hearing Tests
If you or a loved one finds it difficult to visit a hearing clinic, a qualified audiologist can carry out a full hearing assessment in the comfort of your own home.
What is a domiciliary hearing test?
A domiciliary hearing test — also known as an at-home hearing test or home visit hearing assessment— is a professional hearing evaluation carried out in your own home by a qualified audiologist or HCPC-registered hearing aid dispenser.
The assessment uses the same calibrated, portable equipment found in hearing clinics, including a portable audiometer for pure-tone audiometry, an otoscope for examining the ear canal and eardrum, and speech-in-noise testing to assess how well you hear in everyday situations. The clinical standard is identical to what you would receive at a high-street hearing centre.
Home hearing tests are designed for people who cannot easily travel to a clinic — whether due to mobility difficulties, illness, caring responsibilities, or simply the convenience of having a professional come to them. Major providers such as Hidden Hearing and Boots Hearingcare offer free home assessments across the UK, and NHS community audiology services provide domiciliary visits for eligible patients in some areas.
Who benefits from home hearing tests?
Home hearing assessments are particularly valuable for people who find it difficult to visit a clinic. Here are the groups who benefit most.
Elderly patients
Older adults who find it difficult to travel to a high-street clinic, particularly those with mobility issues, frailty, or multiple health conditions.
People with mobility issues
Anyone who uses a wheelchair, has difficulty walking, or cannot easily use public transport to reach a hearing clinic.
Care home residents
Residents in care homes, nursing homes, and supported living facilities who benefit from regular hearing assessments without the disruption of travel.
Housebound patients
People who are unable to leave their home due to illness, recovery from surgery, severe anxiety, agoraphobia, or other conditions that make going out difficult.
Compare home hearing test providers
Several organisations offer domiciliary hearing care across the UK. We’ve compared the main providers to help you choose the right one for your needs.
| Provider | Home visits | Free assessment | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Hearing Specialist hearing care | Free | Nationwide UK | |
| Boots Hearingcare High-street chain | Free | Wide UK coverage | |
| NHS Community Audiology NHS service | Free | Varies by NHS trust | |
| Specsavers Audiology High-street chain | — | Free | In-store nationwide |
| Independent audiologists Local / regional | Varies | Regional |
Hidden Hearing
Home visitsOne of the UK's largest hearing care providers. Offers free home hearing assessments with no obligation. HCPC-registered audiologists with full portable equipment.
Boots Hearingcare
Home visitsBoots Hearingcare offers home visit hearing assessments in many areas. Free hearing health check available. Backed by Boots pharmacy network.
NHS Community Audiology
Home visitsSome NHS trusts offer domiciliary audiology for housebound patients. Requires GP referral. Availability and waiting times vary significantly by region.
Specsavers Audiology
Free hearing tests available in-store at Specsavers locations across the UK. Home visits are not currently offered, but stores are widely accessible.
Independent audiologists
Home visitsMany independent audiologists offer home visits in their local area. Fees and availability vary. Ask your nearest audiologist if they provide domiciliary services.
hearingtest.co.uk is an independent comparison site. Provider information is based on editorial research. Last updated June 2026.
What to expect during a home hearing test
A home hearing assessment follows a straightforward process. Here is what happens at each stage.
Booking your appointment
Contact a hearing care provider by phone or through their website. For private providers like Hidden Hearing, no GP referral is needed. For NHS audiology, ask your GP for a referral to your local community audiology service. A family member or carer can book on your behalf.
Pre-visit confirmation
The audiologist or their team will confirm your appointment date and time. They may ask about your hearing history, any existing conditions such as tinnitus, and whether you currently wear hearing aids. This helps them prepare the right equipment for your visit.
The hearing assessment (60-90 minutes)
The audiologist will carry out a full hearing assessment in a quiet room in your home. This typically includes otoscopy (examining your ear canals), pure-tone audiometry (testing your hearing at different frequencies), and speech-in-noise testing. They may also check for ear wax build-up.
Discussion of results
After the assessment, the audiologist will explain your audiogram and results in plain language. They will tell you about the type and degree of any hearing loss, discuss whether hearing aids could help, and answer any questions you or your family may have.
Hearing aid options (if appropriate)
If hearing aids are recommended, the audiologist will explain the different types and technology levels available. Private providers often allow you to try hearing aids during the visit. They will discuss costs, payment plans, trial periods, and aftercare arrangements.
Follow-up and aftercare
If you are fitted with hearing aids, the provider will arrange follow-up visits to fine-tune the settings and ensure you are comfortable. Many providers offer ongoing home visits for adjustments, battery replacements, and annual hearing reviews.
How to arrange a home hearing test
NHS route (GP referral)
- Visit your GP and explain your hearing concerns
- Ask for a referral to your local NHS audiology service
- The audiology department will contact you to arrange an appointment
- If you are housebound, request a domiciliary (home) visit
- The hearing test and any NHS hearing aids are free of charge
Note: NHS waiting times for audiology referrals vary by area, typically ranging from 4 to 18 weeks. Not all NHS trusts offer domiciliary visits.
Private booking (no referral)
- Contact a private provider directly (e.g. Hidden Hearing, Boots Hearingcare)
- No GP referral needed — book by phone or online
- Appointments often available within 1-2 weeks
- Most offer free home hearing assessments
- Hearing aid costs vary; trial periods and payment plans available
Tip: Private providers often offer free assessments as part of their hearing aid consultation. There is no obligation to purchase.
Frequently asked questions about home hearing tests
We have answered the most common questions people ask about at-home hearing assessments. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please get in touch.
Do I need a GP referral for a home hearing test?
How long does a home hearing test take?
Is a home hearing test as accurate as a clinic test?
Can someone else arrange a home hearing test for me?
What if I need hearing aids after my home test?
Are home hearing tests available at weekends?
How much does a private home hearing test cost?
Can I have a home hearing test in a care home?
Ready to arrange a hearing test?
Whether you need a home visit or prefer to visit a local audiologist, we can help you find the right provider. Search by postcode to see what’s available near you.
Search for local audiologistsOr call us on 0208 1230993 for help finding a provider