Hearing Test for Tinnitus

If you experience ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom sounds in your ears, a specialist hearing test is an important first step in understanding and managing your tinnitus.

Why a hearing test matters for tinnitus

Tinnitus and hearing loss are closely linked. Research suggests that around 80% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss — often in the same frequency range as their tinnitus. A hearing test can:

• Identify underlying hearing loss that may be contributing to your tinnitus
• Help determine the type and likely cause of your tinnitus
• Guide treatment decisions, including whether hearing aids might help
• Provide a baseline for monitoring any changes over time

What a tinnitus hearing test includes

A specialist tinnitus assessment goes beyond a standard hearing test and may include:

• Pure-tone audiometry — standard hearing test across all frequencies
• Extended high-frequency audiometry — testing above the standard range (above 8 kHz)
• Tinnitus pitch matching — identifying the frequency of your tinnitus
• Tinnitus loudness matching — measuring the perceived volume of your tinnitus
• Tinnitus questionnaires — validated tools to assess the impact on your quality of life
• Tympanometry — checking middle ear function

Where to get tested

Tinnitus hearing assessments are available from:

• NHS audiology — via GP referral, some trusts have dedicated tinnitus clinics
• Private audiologists — many offer specialist tinnitus assessments (£100–£250)
• High-street providers — some offer basic tinnitus consultations alongside hearing tests

Treatment options

Based on your assessment, your audiologist may recommend hearing aids with tinnitus masking features, sound therapy, referral for CBT, or tinnitus retraining therapy. Many people find significant relief with the right combination of approaches.