Hearing Test Without GP Referral

Many people assume they need a GP referral to get a hearing test, but this isn't the case for most providers. You can access professional hearing assessments directly — often for free — without needing to see your doctor first.

Providers that don't require a referral

The following providers accept direct bookings with no referral needed:

• Specsavers — free hearing tests, no referral required
• Boots Hearingcare — free hearing health checks, book directly
• Hidden Hearing — free tests at clinics and home visits
• Amplifon — free assessments, no referral needed
• Any private audiologist — HCPC-registered audiologists see patients directly
• THCP — free tests through partner optician practices

When a referral IS needed

A GP referral is typically required only for:

• NHS audiology — most NHS departments require a referral, though some now accept self-referral
• ENT specialists — if you need to see an ear, nose and throat consultant on the NHS

Benefits of skipping the referral

Booking directly with a hearing care provider means:

• No GP appointment needed — saves time and frees up GP capacity
• Faster access — you can often be seen within days rather than weeks
• Convenience — book online at a time and place that suits you
• No gatekeeping — you decide when it's time to get your hearing checked

When to see your GP first

While a hearing test doesn't require a referral, you should see your GP if you have sudden hearing loss, hearing loss accompanied by pain, discharge, or dizziness, or hearing loss in one ear only. These symptoms may need medical investigation beyond a standard hearing test.