Ringing, buzzing, hissing or whooshing in your ears can be unsettling, especially when it starts to affect sleep, concentration or conversation.
At Alto Hearing, tinnitus is assessed through our Complete Hearing Assessment. We check whether hearing loss, wax, middle-ear changes or another hearing-related factor may be involved, then explain what to do next.
Tinnitus is commonly linked with hearing changes, even when the hearing loss is not obvious at first. It can also be linked with wax, ear health, noise exposure, stress, sleep or medical factors.
If you want the background first, our guide to what tinnitus is explains the common causes, warning signs and treatment options in more detail.
A Complete Hearing Assessment may include:
A careful history of your tinnitus, hearing, ear health and symptoms.
Video otoscopy to examine the ear canal and eardrum.
A full hearing assessment if tinnitus is persistent, one-sided, complicated or affecting normal life.
A discussion about whether hearing loss, wax or another ear-health issue may be involved.
Hearing-aid advice only where the results and symptoms support it.
Clear signposting to your GP, ENT, tinnitus-focused CBT, specialist tinnitus counselling or urgent support where needed.
Important
When tinnitus needs medical advice first
Most tinnitus is not an emergency, but some symptoms should not wait for a routine hearing appointment.
Seek medical advice quickly if tinnitus starts with sudden hearing loss, rapidly worsening hearing, dizziness, ear pain, discharge, facial weakness, one-sided symptoms, or a pulsing sound in time with your heartbeat.
If tinnitus is making you feel unsafe, unable to cope, or at risk of harming yourself, seek urgent help through NHS 111, your GP, emergency services or a crisis support service.
Get assessed
Talk to us about a Complete Hearing Assessment
Time. 90 minutes | Price. £75.00
If tinnitus is persistent, one-sided, linked with hearing difficulty or affecting daily life, a Complete Hearing Assessment gives the clearest starting point.
When hearing loss is present, hearing aids may help tinnitus too
Hearing aids are not a tinnitus cure, and they are not the answer for everyone. But when hearing loss is present, well-fitted hearing aids can give the brain more access to everyday sound, reduce listening strain and make tinnitus feel less intrusive.
The fitting matters. We use clinical measurements and follow-up care to make sure the devices are set for your hearing, comfort and listening needs. Read more about hearing aid fitting and verification.
If hearing aids are not the answer, we will say so
Some tinnitus is mainly distress-led. Some needs medical assessment. Some is linked with normal hearing, poor sleep, anxiety, trauma or wider health factors. In those situations, hearing aids may not be the correct route.
We do not provide tinnitus-focused CBT or specialist tinnitus counselling, and we do not position ourselves as a cure clinic. We assess the ear and hearing side properly, explain what we find, and recommend medical or specialist support when that is the safer option.
If your tinnitus is causing significant distress, tinnitus-focused CBT or support from a suitably qualified professional may be more important than hearing technology.
Tinnitus support FAQs
Do I need a hearing test for tinnitus?
If tinnitus is persistent, one-sided, linked with hearing difficulty or affecting daily life, a Complete Hearing Assessment is the most useful audiology appointment. It helps identify hearing loss, wax, middle-ear issues and other factors that may need attention.
Can hearing aids help tinnitus?
Hearing aids can be useful when tinnitus is linked with hearing loss. They improve access to everyday sound and reduce listening strain. They are not a guaranteed cure, and they are not normally recommended for tinnitus when hearing is normal.
Is tinnitus always caused by hearing loss?
No. Tinnitus can be linked with hearing loss, wax, ear infection, middle-ear problems, noise exposure, stress, sleep, medication and other medical factors. Assessment helps narrow down what is most likely in your case.
When should tinnitus be checked urgently?
Seek medical advice quickly if tinnitus is linked with sudden hearing loss, rapidly worsening hearing, dizziness, ear pain, discharge, facial weakness, severe distress, one-sided symptoms or a pulsing sound in time with your heartbeat.
Does Alto offer tinnitus counselling or CBT?
No. Alto Hearing does not provide tinnitus-focused CBT or specialist tinnitus counselling. We assess ear health and hearing through the Complete Hearing Assessment, explain whether hearing changes may be involved, and discuss hearing-related options. If counselling, CBT or specialist tinnitus support is more suitable, we will signpost you clearly.
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What people say about Alto Hearing
tianna daley
Been having trouble with my ears for months and have visited many clinics during that time. This one is by far the best! Friendly receptionist and wonderful doctor that cleaned my ears, would definitely recommend for anyone having issues with their ears. Lovely location and easy to find too
4 June 2026
Paul Satelle
The staff are very pleasant and helpful. The receptionist was clear with her advice and also helpful. and very reassuring. Megan was fantastic. professional and great at her job. clear advice and resolved my issue completely. highly recommended company. Will definitely be back in the future for a check up.
1 June 2026
Brian Goddard
Really positive experience from start to finish. Carl met me at the reception and was very professional, explaining everything in detail and checking my understanding. Treatment was excellent, will definitely go back again, thank you.
27 May 2026
Neil Richards
This experience was absolutely fascinating. Andrew encouraged discussion and explained everything very clearly. No hard sell or pushing hearing aids, if not yet required. The live visual of my wax removal was amazing and the result was a massive improvement to me. Highly recommend and trust Andrew with all things hearing related.
26 May 2026
Jessica Flynn
From the moment we stepped in, my partner and I were made to feel welcomed and relaxed. The staff are amazing, and Andrew is very thorough and knowledgeable and explained everything with great detail. Highly recommend.
22 May 2026
Jenny Culver
I had an appointment with Carl on Wednesday for a hearing test and hearing aid check. Professional and friendly service. Really in depth hearing test. Better than others I’ve had over the years. 10/10 aftercare with my hearing aid. Always there for help and advice. Would highly recommend anyone who needs hearing help to go to alto. 😍🫶🏼
14 May 2026
Fanny Charlet
Very efficient and professional. The team at Alto and Mariia in particular explained the procedure every step of the way and ensured that I was comfortable at all times. This is my second visit to Alto Hearing and I would recommend them to anyone who has any ear related issues
28 April 2026
James Calow
First time I’d had treatment for my ears and decided to use Alto as a local company. Couldn’t have been happier with the results, very professional service. Mariia the specialist was very friendly and knowledgeable. I’ll definitely be using them again for future treatment.
24 April 2026
Aaron Salmon
This place is absolutely brilliant. I knew one of my ears was blocked with wax but didn't realise just how bad until the camera went in and i could see it on the screen. I saw Andrew who was great and explained the procedure and after a quick microsuction i was amazed at just how much came out and how instantly my ears felt clear and hearing back to normal. The Lady on reception was also very welcoming. Would definatley recommend and use again.
17 April 2026
Sue Edwards
A very warm and friendly welcome. From the minute I walked in I felt comfortable and at ease. Both my ears were blocked with wax. The wax removel procedure was painless and I got to watch it all on a screen which was very interesting. Afterwards I had a free hearing test and everything was explained in detail. Walked away feeling happy and well looked after. Fantastic service, would highly recommend. Thank you Andrew and team.
11 March 2026
Sophie Graham
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really great experience getting my ear wax removed here. I was able to get a same-day appointment, which was really helpful, and the pricing was very reasonable. They treated both ears rather than just the problem one, which I really appreciated. The staff were friendly and professional, checking on my comfort throughout the appointment. Everything was sorted quickly and efficiently. I’d definitely recommend!
4 March 2026
Shirley
I had a problem with my right ear, not all the time but from time to time. I had an appointment with Carl, who was very professional and made me feel at ease. I had a thorough ear test in both ears and was shown the graph of my hearing. I was very impressed with the test and advised l would benefit from a hearing devise. I would recommend anyone who is suffering from a hearing loss to get tested and to try out the different devises. You may not think you need them but see the difference it could…
1 March 2026
Sam
I attended alto for wax removal today, I was alittle nervous never having it done before but was immediately put at ease by the friendly receptionist. I was promptly seen by Megan who explained everything well and carried out the wax removal which wasn't uncomfortable at all! Very pleased with the service and will definitely return when needed. Highly recommend.
4 February 2026
Tracey Repton
Maria the audiologist was extremely professional, caring and gentle during my procedure and thorough in conducting my hearing test. The receptionist was equally welcoming to the branch and professional in manner. Both put me at ease, explained what would happen and treated me with kindness and compassion. They are both an asset to the business, thank you.
1 February 2026
Mark Forsdike
I had severe ear problems of which I now know to be ear wax. I rang for an appointment in the morning and got one for the afternoon. The staff were so pleasant and welcoming I had my treatment completed very swiftly and left me feeling very comfortable. I would recommend Alto Hearing to anyone. Parking was plentiful. The service was quick and the staff were very pleasant. Thank-you for your support.
29 January 2026
Helen Robinson
I visited Carl fir the first time yesterday, with tinnitus and some deafness in my right ear. After a full examination he advised me to see my Dr. as he thought it was an inner ear infection. I took his advice and now have antibiotics. He was such a kind and helpful man. I would definitely recommend him . Helen Robinson.
17 January 2026
robert burns
Just a quick thank you to the team at Alto Hearing in Clitheroe, from my friendly welcome to Andrew's professional care. Every step of the wax removal procedure was explained putting me at my ease. Highly recommended. Robbie Burns.
17 January 2026
Chief
Wonderful wonderful experience from reception to the woman ( forgive me I forgot her name ) she took care of me very well. I’m very happy with the results 110%, I have my hearing back after months of uncomfortable silence and pain. I cannot recommend them enough. 5 star and very affordable and quick service. My only regret not enjoying their reception treats lol. Chief Ghana royal family.
13 January 2026
John Bell
This is the first time that I have used Alto Hearing and I am extremely happy with the service I have received. I booked in to have a ear wax removal treatment . The process was quick and painless. I was made to feel at ease by the practioner. The improvement in my hearing following the treatment was excellent and I would happily recommend their services to anyone. Thank you to all the team at Alto Hearing.
13 January 2026
Paula Coyle
Feeling a little nervous, Carl was extremely friendly and put me at ease straight away. He always explained in detail what he was going to do and made it a very comfortable experience. My ears feel so much better 😊 Highly recommend!
