Ear Nose and Throat Specialists (ENT)
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialists: Accessible Clinics and Services
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) issues can have a major impact on how we communicate, breathe, eat and experience the world. Whether you’re dealing with hearing loss, balance problems, chronic sinus infections, or throat-related conditions, it’s important to access expert care from professionals who understand the needs of disabled people.
This resource page highlights ENT clinics and specialists across the UK who either have a known commitment to accessibility or have been recommended by our community.
If you know an ENT specialist who offers excellent support for disabled people, or if you’ve had a positive or negative experience you’d like to share, email us at editor@disabilityhorizons.com.
What to Expect from an ENT Specialist
ENT specialists (also called otolaryngologists) treat a wide range of conditions including:
- Hearing and balance problems
- Sinus and nasal conditions
- Persistent sore throats or hoarseness
- Ear infections and tinnitus
- Snoring and sleep apnoea
- Voice and swallowing difficulties
Many ENT clinics also work alongside audiologists, speech and language therapists, and hearing aid providers. If you’re referred through the NHS, you’ll usually have an initial appointment where your symptoms are assessed before any follow-up tests or procedures are arranged.
Accessible ENT Services and Clinics
🔍 London
Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals (University College London Hospitals)
- Accessible entrance, hearing loop systems, and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters available upon request.
- Works closely with Deaf patients and those with sensory processing conditions.
- Accepts NHS and private referrals.
- Visit Website
Specsavers Hearing Centres (Various branches)
- Many locations offer accessible hearing tests and wax removal services.
- Staff are trained to support people with learning disabilities and sensory impairments.
- Not a full ENT service, but useful for mild/moderate hearing concerns.
🏥 Midlands
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham – ENT Department
- Offers specialist services including cochlear implants and complex ear surgeries.
- Accessible facilities and priority appointment pathways for disabled patients.
- Paediatric ENT also available.
- More Information
🌍 Northern England
Freeman Hospital Newcastle – ENT Services
- National centre for complex ENT and head and neck conditions.
- Equipped with accessible consultation rooms and support for neurodivergent patients.
- Hosts one of the leading cochlear implant programmes in the UK.
- Read More
🏡 Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
We are currently compiling recommendations for accessible ENT clinics in these regions. If you’ve had a positive experience or know a specialist who deserves to be highlighted, let us know.
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Tips for Booking an Accessible ENT Appointment
- Flag Access Needs in Advance: When booking, let the clinic know if you need wheelchair access, longer appointments, a quiet waiting space, or communication support.
- Ask About Assistive Tech: Some clinics offer hearing loops, visual alert systems, or BSL interpreters—but they often need to be booked in advance.
- Use NHS Accessibility Options: Your GP can note your access needs in your NHS Summary Care Record. This helps ensure ENT services are aware of your requirements before you attend.
Resources and Support
- National Deaf Children’s Society – Offers guidance for families navigating ENT services: ndcs.org.uk
- Action on Hearing Loss (RNID) – Information on hearing aids, tinnitus and ENT referrals: rnid.org.uk
- Disability Rights UK – Advice on healthcare access and rights: disabilityrightsuk.org
Add to This Page
This resource is shaped by our community. If you’ve had a great (or disappointing) experience with an ENT service and want to share it, contact us at editor@disabilityhorizons.com. Let’s build a directory that reflects real access—not just what’s written on a clinic’s website.