Hearing loss in one ear: private test, NHS route, cost (2026)

• Both chains price aids per pair on the pages we opened. Neither page lists a price for one aid. If you are offered one aid, ask for that price in writing. (checked 14 October 2026)
• Specsavers' hearing test page says its tests are free, but its small print also says "A hearing assessment may be chargeable. Ask in-store for details." Ask before you book. (checked 14 October 2026)

Each row is the provider's own published wording, opened by Pete on 14 October 2026. Rows are listed by type, then alphabetically. That is not a ranking. A provider may change a price at any time; its written quote is what counts. Listing a provider here does not mean it is a partner of ours. Full list on Sources.

When is hearing loss in one ear urgent?

When it came on suddenly, or is getting worse over days or weeks. The NHS hearing loss page (last reviewed 30 May 2025, opened 14 October 2026) says ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have sudden hearing loss in 1 or both ears, if your hearing has been getting worse over the last few days or weeks, or if you have hearing loss along with other symptoms, such as earache or discharge coming out of the ear.

NICE guideline NG98, Hearing loss in adults (published 21 June 2018, last updated 2 October 2023, opened 14 October 2026), sets the timings for doctors in recommendation 1.1.2:

• Came on over 3 days or less, within the past 30 days: to be seen within 24 hours, by an ear, nose and throat service or an emergency department.
• Came on suddenly more than 30 days ago: to be seen within 2 weeks.
• Got worse quickly, over 4 to 90 days: to be seen within 2 weeks.

Recommendation 1.1.3 says hearing loss in one ear with altered sensation or a drooping face on the same side should also be seen within 24 hours. The NHS stroke page (last reviewed 12 September 2024, opened 14 October 2026) says call 999 if you think you are having a stroke; one sign is that one side of your face may droop. A private hearing test is not the right first step for any of these.

What can cause hearing loss in one ear?

We cannot tell you what is causing yours, and the NHS says not to self-diagnose. Its hearing loss page lists some possible causes where the loss is in one ear: an ear infection, or an earwax build-up, which can make the ear feel blocked. It lists sudden hearing loss after an infection, a very loud noise or a change in air pressure as a possible perforated eardrum, and sudden hearing loss with dizziness, vertigo or tinnitus as possibly labyrinthitis or Ménière's disease. Some of these a GP can treat. Wax removal is a different appointment from a hearing test.

Should I see a GP or book a private hearing test?

For loss in one ear, NICE and the NHS point to the GP first. If it is sudden, use the urgent advice at the top of this page. NICE NG98 recommendation 1.1.1 says that for adults with hearing difficulties, a GP should first rule out impacted wax and acute infections, then arrange an audiological assessment. Recommendation 1.1.6 says to consider referring adults to an ear, nose and throat, audiovestibular medicine or specialist audiology service when one-sided or uneven hearing loss is the main concern. NG98 also sets out when a specialist may consider an MRI scan. We cannot tell you whether any of that applies to you.

High-street clinics say the same. Specsavers' hearing test page (opened 14 October 2026) says: "If you've experienced sudden hearing loss or hearing loss which impacts one ear more significantly, we recommend seeking medical advice immediately." It also says that if you are aged 18 to 50 with no hearing loss diagnosis, its audiologists may have to recommend an onward referral before they can test you.

A private test can still be useful once a doctor has looked at the ear, for example if you want a second test or want to compare private aid prices. See hearing test cost.

Will I need a hearing aid for one ear?

We cannot say, and nobody should tell you that before a full assessment. NICE NG98 recommendation 1.5.2 says that after the assessment an audiologist should discuss options with you, which can include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, communication strategies, options for managing single-sided deafness, and referral for implants or for medical or surgical treatment. The NHS hearing aids page (last reviewed 18 October 2023, opened 14 October 2026) says CROS and BiCROS hearing aids can help if you've lost hearing in one ear; they come as a pair, and the aid on the side with hearing loss sends sound to an aid in your good ear. Whether one aid, two aids or none suits you is for an audiologist after a test. More on one hearing aid or two.

How much does a private hearing test and aid for one ear cost?

At the two chains we checked on 14 October 2026, the hearing test was advertised as free: Boots Hearingcare offers "free adult hearing tests" and Specsavers says its hearing tests are free of charge, though its small print says an assessment may be chargeable. Aids are where the money is: from £695 a pair at Boots and from £500 a pair at Specsavers, that day. Both pages price aids per pair. Neither lists a price for one aid, so ask for a written quote. The full comparison is on hearing aid cost.

What does the NHS offer, and how long is the wait?

The NHS hearing tests page (last reviewed 12 November 2024, opened 14 October 2026) says you can get a free hearing test and treatment on the NHS, and a GP can refer you to an audiologist. NHS hearing aids are free, as a long-term loan, with free batteries and repairs. Some areas allow self-referral to NHS audiology; ask the GP surgery what applies locally.

NHS England's DM01 report for July 2026 (published 10 September 2026, opened 14 October 2026) says 41.5% of the 124,667 people waiting for an NHS audiology assessment had waited six weeks or more. That is the wait for the assessment, not for aids. Urgent one-sided loss goes through the GP, 111 or A&E, not this list. More on the NHS wait.

What should I ask before a private appointment?

• Will you look in both ears first, and test each ear separately?
• Is this a full hearing assessment, or a shorter hearing check? Is it free?
• If my result is very different between the ears, will you tell me to see a GP?
• If you suggest an aid, is the price for one aid or a pair? Can I have the price, trial period and warranty in writing?

If you have been to the GP and want a private clinic to contact you, use the request form. It costs you nothing. If a clinic takes the introduction, the clinic pays us a fee per introduction, not you.

Want one clinic to call you? Request a private hearing appointment. Free for you; the clinic may pay us.