Private ENT Specialist in Sutton Coldfield
Consultant ENT surgeon for hearing loss, tonsillitis, sinus disease, balance disorders, snoring, and voice problems. Audiometry included in the consultation fee. From £260 — seen within 7 days.
ENT problems — hearing loss that comes on gradually, tonsillitis that keeps recurring, sinusitis that won't clear with antibiotics, a lump in the neck — are among the most common reasons for specialist referral in the UK. At The Vesey, Ramanathan Swaminathan (FRCS ORL-HNS) provides a full ENT assessment including audiometry within a single appointment, at a price point significantly below the major hospital chains.
Conditions we treat
Our consultant assesses and manages the full range of ENT conditions. The list below is grouped by area — most patients come with a single concern but often leave with multiple things addressed in one appointment.
- Hearing loss (adult and child)
- Tinnitus
- Ear infections (otitis media, otitis externa)
- Wax impaction
- Glue ear in children
- Perforated eardrum
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Ménière's disease
- Vestibular neuritis
- Labyrinthitis
- Dizziness workup
- Sinusitis (acute and chronic)
- Nasal polyps
- Blocked nose
- Rhinitis (allergic and non-allergic)
- Loss of smell (anosmia)
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Deviated septum
- Tonsillitis
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Recurrent throat infections
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Globus sensation
- Hoarse voice
- Laryngitis
- Neck lumps (lymph nodes, thyroid, cysts)
- Salivary gland problems
- Parotid swelling
- Lip and oral lesions
- Snoring assessment
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) referral pathway
- Nasal obstruction contributing to sleep
Procedures & transparent pricing
Every price below is the fee charged at The Vesey, inclusive where stated. AUDIOMETRY IS INCLUDED IN THE £260 CONSULTATION FEE. This is unique to The Vesey. You will always receive a clear itemised quote before any procedure begins.
| Procedure | What's included | From |
|---|---|---|
| ENT consultation incl. audiometry | 45 mins · hearing test included as standard | £260 |
| Nasal endoscopy (rigid/flexible) | Added at consultation if indicated | £320 |
| Follow-up consultation | 30 mins · same consultant | £180 |
| Microsuction ear wax removal | Safe suction method · one ear | £95 |
| Microsuction ear wax removal | Safe suction method · both ears | £140 |
| Fine-needle aspiration of neck lump | Cytology sample + consultant interpretation | £280 |
| Paediatric ENT consultation | Children · audiometry included | £240 |
Prices accurate as of July 2026. Multi-element procedures and complex cases quoted individually.
What to expect
From booking to discharge, this is what happens. Most patients are surprised how quickly the whole journey moves compared with equivalent NHS pathways.
Full ENT history + examination + hearing test within 45 minutes.
Nasal/laryngeal flexible endoscopy same visit, added at £320.
CT sinuses, MRI, blood tests arranged same day if needed.
For tonsillectomy, grommets, FESS, septoplasty, with full written referral to ENT surgical unit.
How we compare
Local patients regularly compare us with Spire, Nuffield Health and the NHS. Here's an honest like-for-like.
- ✓ Audiometry included in consultation fee
- ✓ Same-day nasal endoscopy
- ✓ FRCS(ORL-HNS) surgeon
- ✓ Open Sundays
- ✓ No referral needed
- ✓ Paediatric ENT available
- ✕ Audiometry billed separately
- ✕ Closed Sundays
- ✓ Multiple locations
- ✓ Insurance accepted
- ✕ GP referral often required
- ✕ Limited Sunday availability
- ✕ 18+ month ENT wait nationally
- ✕ No direct booking
- ✓ Free at point of use
- ✕ Audiometry separate appointment
- ✕ Limited consultation time
- ✕ Shared care setting
Comparator prices are typical published self-pay fees as of July 2026 and vary by consultant and time of year.
From our consultant
"Most ENT patients have been waiting weeks to see a GP, then weeks more for a referral, all while the problem gets worse. I see patients within days, perform the full examination — including audiometry and nasal endoscopy in the same appointment — and give a clear diagnosis. That's what private ENT should look like."
Ramanathan Swaminathan · Consultant ENT Surgeon, The Vesey
Audiometry — what does the hearing test involve?
Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) is the gold standard hearing assessment. It takes 15 minutes, involves listening to tones through headphones and pressing a button when you hear them, and produces an audiogram — a graph of your hearing threshold across frequencies. At The Vesey, PTA is performed by Mr Swaminathan at every consultation at no extra charge.
An audiogram showing bilateral high-frequency loss suggests age-related hearing loss (presbycusis); asymmetric loss requires MRI of the internal auditory meatus to rule out acoustic neuroma. Results are explained during the consultation and included in the written letter to your GP.
Chronic sinusitis — when antibiotics aren't enough
Acute sinusitis (green discharge, facial pain, fever, lasting less than 12 weeks) usually resolves with a course of antibiotics. Chronic sinusitis (more than 12 weeks of symptoms, with or without nasal polyps) does not.
At The Vesey, Mr Swaminathan performs nasal endoscopy to assess the sinus openings, nasal polyps, and mucosal disease directly. If polyps are confirmed, a CT sinus is arranged to map the anatomy prior to possible functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Medical management includes topical steroid sprays, saline irrigation, and in some cases oral steroids or biologics (dupilumab for severe polyps). FESS referral to an associated surgical unit if indicated.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an ENT specialist cost at The Vesey — and what's included?
The ENT consultation is £260 and includes audiometry (a full hearing test) at no extra charge. This is unusual — most private ENT clinics charge separately for audiometry. Nasal endoscopy can be added for £320. Follow-up £180.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Book directly online or by WhatsApp. Previous letters, test results or ENT correspondence are helpful to bring.
Is audiometry included at every appointment?
Yes. Pure-tone audiometry is performed by Mr Swaminathan at every ENT consultation as standard. It is included in the £260 fee with no extra charge.
Can you remove ear wax?
Yes. We offer microsuction — a safe method using gentle suction rather than syringing. From £95 per ear, £140 for both. Available at the same appointment.
My child keeps getting tonsillitis — when should they have their tonsils out?
We see children from 3 years. NICE criteria for tonsillectomy referral: 7 or more episodes in 12 months, or 5 per year over 2 years, causing significant impact. If your child meets this threshold, Mr Swaminathan will initiate the referral pathway at the appointment.
I have a lump in my neck — should I be worried?
All neck lumps require clinical assessment. Mr Swaminathan will examine the lump, arrange ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) where indicated, and ensure urgent onward referral if cancer is suspected. Same-week appointments available.
What's the difference between snoring and sleep apnoea?
Snoring alone (without witnessed apnoeas, morning headaches or daytime sleepiness) is managed conservatively with lifestyle and nasal treatment. Suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) requires overnight pulse oximetry, followed by referral to a sleep clinic for CPAP assessment if positive.
I have dizziness and balance problems — what can you do?
BPPV (the most common cause of vertigo) is diagnosed and treated in clinic with the Epley manoeuvre — usually immediate relief. Ménière's disease and other vestibular conditions require full audiological and vestibular workup, which Mr Swaminathan initiates at the first appointment.
Does insurance cover ENT?
Yes. All major insurers including Bupa, Vitality, AXA Health, Aviva and WPA routinely cover ENT consultations. Microsuction is typically not covered by insurance as it is classified as a minor procedure. Pre-authorisation required for investigations.
How long is an ENT appointment?
Standard ENT consultation including audiometry is 45 minutes. If nasal endoscopy is added, allow 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes.
Consultant ENT surgeon in Sutton Coldfield
Audiometry included. Full examination. From £260. Seen within 7 days.
Free reschedule with 48+ hours' notice · Pay per visit · CQC reg. 1-13508890408
Conditions we treat
Detailed patient information for each topic — symptoms, investigation, treatment options and pricing.