Am I Eligible for an NHS Hearing Test?

The good news is that NHS hearing tests are available to everyone registered with an NHS GP, regardless of age, income, or employment status. There are no strict eligibility criteria — if you're concerned about your hearing, you have the right to request a referral.

Who can access NHS hearing services?

The following people are all eligible for free NHS hearing assessments and hearing aids:

• Adults of any age who are concerned about their hearing
• Children — including newborns (via the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme)
• Older adults — there is no upper age limit for NHS hearing care
• People with existing hearing aids who need a review or replacement
• Workers exposed to noise — though occupational hearing tests are the employer's responsibility under HSE regulations

The referral process

To access NHS hearing services, you typically need a referral from your GP. Some areas now offer direct access or self-referral to NHS audiology, meaning you can contact the audiology department directly without seeing your GP first. Check with your local NHS trust to see if self-referral is available in your area.

Priority referrals

In certain circumstances, your GP may request an urgent referral. These include sudden hearing loss (which should be treated as a medical emergency), hearing loss in one ear only, or hearing loss accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or facial weakness. These situations may be referred directly to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist rather than audiology.

If you're not sure

If you're unsure whether your concerns warrant a hearing test, speak to your GP. Even mild hearing difficulties are worth investigating, as early detection and management can significantly improve your quality of life.