Paediatric Audiology Check Costs in the UK
Paediatric audiology checks help families understand speech delays, classroom struggles, or recurrent ear infections by measuring how well children hear across different frequencies. Private UK clinics use age-appropriate techniques - visual reinforcement audiometry, play audiometry, otoacoustic emissions (OAE), and tympanometry - to create a clear picture of middle ear and cochlear health.
🎯 Appointments also include speech discrimination tests, parent questionnaires, and guidance on glue ear management, classroom accommodations, or referrals for grommets and hearing aids.
Planning specialist dental visits too? See our paediatric dentist consultation guide for budgeting medical care in one go.
How Much is a Paediatric Audiology Check in the UK?
Age 0 - 3 visual reinforcement assessment: £120 to £200.
Play audiometry (age 3 - 7): £140 to £240 including tympanometry.
Full diagnostic battery (speech tests + OAE): £200 to £320.
ENT consultant review add-on: £180 to £260 for glue ear or tonsil/adenoid discussion.
Hearing aid fitting package: £1 400 to £2 400 for bilateral digital devices with 2 - 3 years aftercare.
Regional Price Differences in the UK
London (Central): Children’s audiology suites charge £180 - £280 per assessment with sensory-friendly rooms.
Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds: Private hospitals and community clinics quote £140 - £230.
Smaller cities (Edinburgh, Cardiff, Newcastle): Expect £120 - £210, though appointments may run on limited paediatric days.
Factors that Affect Paediatric Audiology Pricing
🧒 Child’s age
Younger children need longer appointments, two clinicians, or sedation for accurate results.
👂 Test battery
Adding OAEs, auditory brainstem response (ABR), or speech-in-noise tests increases lab time.
👩⚕️ Specialist input
ENT surgeons, speech therapists, or educational audiologists raise costs compared with audiologist-only visits.
📚 Report detail
Schools often request detailed reports and classroom recommendations, adding admin fees.
📍 Location
Central London paediatric centres with sensory playrooms have higher overheads than regional clinics.
How to Save Money on Paediatric Audiology Checks
📅 Coordinate with NHS care
Use private tests for rapid results, then share reports with NHS ENT teams to avoid duplicate appointments.
👨👩👧 Book sibling slots
Many clinics discount back-to-back assessments for multiple children.
🏠 Request home-based tips
Ask audiologists for DIY listening games and classroom strategies to reduce the need for frequent reviews.
🧾 Use health insurance or employer schemes
Some policies reimburse paediatric hearing checks when recommended by a GP or school.
FAQs
How are babies and toddlers tested?
Clinics use visual reinforcement or play audiometry so little ones simply turn toward flashing toys or put a block in a bucket when they hear a sound - no needles or sedation required.
Do I need a GP referral?
Private clinics accept self-referrals, but a letter from your GP, health visitor, or school can help reclaim costs through insurance or health cash plans.
How often should hearing be rechecked?
Children with normal results usually repeat screening annually, while those with glue ear or mild loss are seen every 3 - 6 months so treatment plans stay on track.
Can everything be done in one visit?
Yes - most paediatric audiology suites complete diagnostics, share results, and recommend next steps (watchful waiting, grommets, hearing aids) in a single appointment.
Conclusion
Paediatric audiology checks cost £120 - £320 depending on age and test battery. Booking sibling slots, sharing reports with the NHS, and using clinic play-based tips keeps young ears healthy without overspending. 🧸
 |
Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
