Your GP can refer directly to the service without you seeing an ENT consultant first.
Before your appointment
You will need to make sure your ears are free of wax before you attend, if there is a significant amount of wax present when you attend your appointment we may not be able to proceed with your assessment.
When you receive your appointment letter there will be a questionnaire enclosed. Please complete this questionnaire and bring it to your appointment. This will help the audiologist to identify where your hearing difficulties lie and offer advice relating to your individual needs.
During your appointment
The audiologist will discuss your questionnaire, examine your ears and complete a hearing test.
The test consists of sounds at different volumes and pitches, which will normally be played through headphones. You will be asked to respond to each sound you hear, usually by pressing a button when you hear the sound.
After the test is completed the audiologist will explain your results and discuss your treatment options.
Generally a hearing aid will be offered if you have a hearing loss which would be helped by wearing a hearing aid, a digital (behind the ear – BTE) hearing aid can help with most types of hearing loss. However some hearing losses may require an appointment with an ENT doctor or further testing.
If you feel you would benefit from a hearing assessment and fit the criteria please ask your GP to make a referral.
Contact
If you are an existing hearing aid user and are having problems with your hearing aid please contact the department.
