You can have a full hearing assessment free on the NHS or at Alto. Some private clinics charge for the appointment. If a free assessment covers the tests and advice you need, there’s no need to pay for one. Hearing aids are a separate decision.
Why do some clinics charge for a hearing test?
An audiologist spends time finding out what’s been difficult, testing your hearing and going through the results with you. Some practices charge for that time as they would for any other consultation. Their fee may also cover work after you leave, such as writing a report for your doctor.
Why is the assessment free at Alto?
We used to charge £75 for our Complete Hearing Assessment. With free hearing tests widely available, we decided that paying up front could put people off getting advice. We still set aside 90 minutes. The assessment is free whether or not you buy hearing aids.
You might hear someone talking quite clearly across the kitchen table but miss half of what they say when the radio is on. We check the softest sounds you can hear in each ear. We also test how well you can make out words when there’s noise in the background. That helps your audiologist explain why some conversations are harder than others.
What would you pay for at Alto?
If hearing aids could help, your audiologist will explain what you can expect them to do. If one model costs more than another, you should know what difference you’re likely to hear around that kitchen table, and where you may still struggle.
We’ll show you what the hearing aids, fitting and ongoing care cost, including the appointments to adjust them as you get used to wearing them. You can decide whether that’s worth paying for once you know what we recommend and why.
How does that compare with the NHS?
Your GP can refer you for a free NHS hearing test. If you need NHS hearing aids, the NHS lends them to you long term and covers follow-up appointments, batteries and routine repairs. At Alto you can book directly with us. If you choose hearing aids through us, you pay for private treatment.
Where should you start at Alto?
If you’re wondering whether your hearing has changed, start with SoundCheck. It’s a free, 20-minute hearing check. We’ll look in your ears, check for signs of hearing loss and explain what the result means for you.
If your hearing changes suddenly, don’t wait for a routine test. Seek an urgent GP appointment or advice from NHS 111 for sudden hearing loss, hearing that worsens over days or weeks, or hearing loss with earache or discharge. NHS guidance.
Arrange a Complete Hearing Assessment
If a hearing difficulty is already affecting daily life, we can help you arrange a Complete Hearing Assessment. Call us or leave your number and we’ll call you back.
or call 0800 246 1901