Home / Services / ENT and Audiology

ENT and Audiology

Introduction and Overview

The Paediatric and Adult ENT and Audiology service at Nottingham Road Clinic provides specialist-led assessment, investigation and management of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head and neck, as well as hearing and balance. Services are delivered for both children and adults, recognising the different diagnostic, developmental and communication needs across age groups. ENT and audiological conditions are common and can significantly affect hearing, speech and language development, breathing, sleep, balance, swallowing and overall quality of life. Symptoms may be acute or long-standing, intermittent or progressive, and can impact education, work performance and social interaction. Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate treatment, avoid unnecessary intervention and identify conditions that require timely escalation. Care at Nottingham Road Clinic is consultant-led and based on detailed clinical assessment, appropriate use of diagnostics and evidence-based management pathways aligned with UK clinical guidance. ENT and Audiology services work closely together to ensure coordinated assessment where hearing, balance and upper airway symptoms overlap.

Introduction and Overview

Adult Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Services at Nottingham Road Clinic provide specialist-led assessment, diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat and related head and neck structures. ENT symptoms are common in the adult population and can range from self-limiting concerns to chronic, recurrent or potentially serious conditions requiring timely specialist input.

The service is delivered by consultant ENT specialists with expertise across otology, rhinology and laryngology. Care is supported by access to diagnostic investigations, including endoscopic assessment, audiological testing, imaging and pathology where appropriate. This allows comprehensive evaluation of symptoms that may overlap with neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal or systemic conditions.

Nottingham Road Clinic adopts a structured and evidence-based approach to ENT care. Assessment focuses on establishing an accurate diagnosis, identifying red-flag features, excluding serious pathology and developing an appropriate management plan tailored to each patient. ENT symptoms can have a significant impact on hearing, communication, sleep, balance, swallowing and quality of life, and management plans take account of functional, psychological and occupational factors. Where required, care interfaces with NHS pathways to ensure continuity and access to onward investigation or treatment.

Who the Service Is For

The Paediatric and Adult ENT and Audiology service is suitable for self-pay and insured patients, and for GP or specialist referrals requiring secondary care-level assessment.
The service supports:
  • Children with recurrent or persistent ear, nose or throat symptoms
  • Adults with new or ongoing ENT or hearing concerns
  • Patients with hearing difficulties, tinnitus or balance problems
  • Individuals with nasal, sinus or throat symptoms affecting breathing, sleep or swallowing
  • Children with speech, hearing or developmental concerns related to ear disease
  • Adults with occupational or age-related hearing issues

  • Patients requiring reassurance, diagnosis or ongoing management following referral

Specialist input is particularly important where symptoms are persistent, recurrent, unilateral, progressive, associated with pain, hearing loss, breathing difficulty or red-flag features, or where previous treatment has not resolved the problem.

Conditions Assessed and Managed

The service provides assessment and management for a wide range of ENT and audiological conditions in both children and adults.

Ear and hearing conditions

  • Children with recurrent or persistent ear, nose or throat symptoms
  • Adults with new or ongoing ENT or hearing concerns
  • Patients with hearing difficulties, tinnitus or balance problems
  • Individuals with nasal, sinus or throat symptoms affecting breathing, sleep or swallowing
  • Children with speech, hearing or developmental concerns related to ear disease
  • Adults with occupational or age-related hearing issues

  • Patients requiring reassurance, diagnosis or ongoing management following referral

Nose and sinus conditions

  • Nasal blockage and congestion
  • Recurrent or chronic sinusitis
  • Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
  • Nosebleeds
  • Nasal polyps

  • Reduced or altered sense of smell

Throat and voice conditions

  • Recurrent tonsillitis
  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
  • Sore throat and swallowing difficulties
  • Voice change and hoarseness
  • Chronic cough related to upper airway causes
  • Snoring and sleep-disordered breathing

Paediatric-specific presentations

  •  Recurrent ear infections or glue ear affecting hearing and speech
  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids causing sleep disturbance or behavioural concerns
  • Speech delay related to hearing issues
  • Nasal obstruction and mouth breathing
Red-flag symptoms such as persistent unilateral symptoms, unexplained weight loss, ongoing hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, or suspected head and neck pathology are identified promptly and managed through appropriate investigation and referral pathways.

Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Approach

Assessment begins with a detailed history tailored to the patient’s age and presentation. For children, developmental history, school or nursery concerns and parental observations are integral to the assessment.

Clinical evaluation may include:

  • Comprehensive ENT examination
  • Otoscopy and microscopic ear examination
  • Nasal and throat assessment
  • Hearing assessment performed by Audiology

  • Balance and vestibular evaluation where indicated

Audiological investigations may include:
  • Pure tone audiometry
  • Tympanometry
  • Speech audiometry

  • Paediatric hearing assessments appropriate to age and cooperation

Where clinically indicated, further investigations may be arranged or reviewed, including imaging or referral for endoscopic assessment. All testing is targeted and clinically justified, avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate investigations.

Treatments, Procedures and Management Pathways

Management plans are individualised and proportionate to the severity and impact of symptoms. Treatment pathways may include:
  • Conservative management and monitoring
  •  Medical therapy for infection, inflammation or allergy-related symptoms
  • Hearing management strategies and audiology-led support
  • Advice on environmental and lifestyle factors
  • Referral for surgical opinion where appropriate

  • Follow-up to assess response to treatment or progression

For children, particular emphasis is placed on balancing intervention with natural resolution, supporting hearing and speech development while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

Multidisciplinary Working and Onward Referral

ENT and Audiology services work closely together to ensure coordinated care, particularly where hearing, balance and ENT symptoms overlap. The service may also liaise with:
  • Paediatric services and speech and language therapy
  • Allergy services where symptoms overlap
  • Respiratory services for sleep-disordered breathing
  • Neurology for balance or vestibular concerns

  • Primary care and NHS services for shared care or onward referral

This multidisciplinary approach ensures safe escalation and continuity of care when specialist intervention is required.

What Patients Can Expect from an Appointment

Appointments are consultant-led, structured and age-appropriate.
Patients and families can expect:
  • A detailed discussion of symptoms and concerns
  • Thorough ENT and/or hearing assessment
  • Clear explanation of findings and diagnosis
  • Discussion of management options and next steps
  • Reassurance where appropriate

  • Written summary and follow-up plan

For children, explanations are provided in a child-friendly manner, with parents or carers fully involved in decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a hearing test if they have glue ear?
Hearing assessment is often helpful to understand the impact on hearing and guide management decisions.

Can adults develop hearing loss suddenly?
Yes. Sudden hearing loss requires urgent assessment and should not be ignored.

Do all patients with tonsillitis need surgery?
No. Surgical referral is considered based on frequency, severity and impact, in line with UK guidance.

Can ENT problems affect sleep?
Yes. Nasal blockage, enlarged tonsils or adenoids and other airway issues can disrupt sleep in both children and adults.

Booking & Contact

To enquire about appointments, referral pathways or whether ENT or Audiology assessment is appropriate, please contact Nottingham Road Clinic reception for guidance.
Learn More
Facebook Linkedin Twitter

Contact Us

Services

Make an Appointment

Professional &
Reliable Healthcare

Providing fast, accurate, and compassionate medical services you can trust. From diagnostics to treatment, your health is our top priority.

Book An Appointment