How to see an ENT specialist in London for recurring ear, nose or throat problems

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Describe the problem and pattern

A UK ear, nose and throat specialist is usually called an ENT consultant or otorhinolaryngologist. Start with your GP for recurring problems, explaining episode frequency, treatment and effects on hearing, sleep, breathing or swallowing. For a child, choose a service covering the appropriate age.

Congestion alone does not establish a need for surgery. Initial assessment helps determine whether ENT, audiology, GP treatment or another pathway is appropriate.

When a routine appointment is too slow

Sudden hearing loss, rapidly worsening hearing or hearing loss with pain and discharge need urgent GP assessment or 111. The NHS stresses timely help ↗.

Inability to swallow, severe breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening severe illness require 999 or A&E. Do not wait for insurance approval in an emergency.

NHS and private care

Your GP can refer to an appropriate NHS specialist service ↗. Ask where the referral went and who confirms booking. An overseas diagnosis or surgery recommendation belongs in the history but does not replace reassessment.

Check a private doctor through the GMC ↗. Ask about the relevant interest: hearing, sinuses, voice or paediatric ENT. For insurance, separately approve the consultant, hospital and investigations. Self-paying patients should check referral requirements.

Preparation and full costs

Bring audiograms, reports and available images, a medicine list and previous-operation details. Do not pre-emptively start antibiotics or insert instruments deeply into the ear as preparation.

A quote may separate consultation, nasendoscopy, hearing tests, imaging and results review. Obtain a written conclusion, treatment options and reassessment criteria. If surgery is proposed, discuss alternatives, expected benefit, risks, recovery and complication care; the procedure price alone is insufficient for comparison.