Patient Information

Audiology patient

Do I need a hearing test?

If you agree with any of the following, then YES!

Do other people seem to mumble rather than speaking clearly?
Do you have difficulty holding a conversation in a noisy place?
Do other people comment that your television or music is very loud?
Do you struggle to hear if the television volume is set for other people?
Do you have difficulty hearing on the telephone?
Do you have difficulty hearing your doorbell ring?
Can you hear better when you can see the persons face?
Do you have to ask people to sit on your good side to hear them?
Do you have ringing or buzzing noises in your ears?

What to do next

You need to make an appointment with your GP and explain the problems you are experiencing. Your GP will check your ears for wax and if necessary will send the Audiology Department a referral requesting a formal hearing assessment.

What to expect on your first visit

Your initial appointment will take approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted by a Clinical Audiologist. You will need to complete a questionnaire which will be included with your appointment letter.

The appointment will involve:

An examination of your outer ear and ear drum.
A detailed hearing test, the results of which will be explained.
Depending on the type of hearing loss you may need a further test which will involve a small rubber tip being placed at the entrance to the ear canal which will provide additional information.
A questionnaire will be completed with you to find where you are having hearing difficulties

If the type of hearing loss or examination indicates you need to be seen by a consultant your Gp will organise this for you, by referring you to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department.

Should a hearing aid be indicated we will discuss your options with you. Should you decide to proceed, an appointment will be mutually arranged for you to have your hearing aid fitted within 4 weeks.

Hearing Aids available

You will be provided with a state of the art digital behind the ear hearing aid free. The hearing aid is yours as long as you need it.

Free Aftercare

Our service does not stop once you have been fitted with your hearing aids.

We will arrange follow up appointments without further visits to your GP, making sure your hearing aids are working effectively.

So, as you would expect, you will receive the best care available.

All your batteries will be provided free of charge and your hearing aid will be repaired or replaced if the hearing aid is not working correctly.

T loop

Have you heard of the telecoil/ induction loop system?

This setting can be added to your hearing aid and is often referred to as the ‘T’ setting. It is available in many public buildings e.g. bank counters, theatres, and churches.

It is also possible to have an induction loop fitted at home e.g. for listening to the television or on the telephone.

A loop system transfers the sound direct to the hearing aid, reducing most background noise.

This will only work when you see the symbol on the RT.