Audiology

If you have any concern about your hearing then there are some on line tools where you can check this such as the one provided by Action on Hearing Loss www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk (telephone 0808 808 0123).

If you would like your hearing assessed or would like to try a hearing aid then please ask your GP to refer you to our Audiology service.

Adult hearing services can be accessed by Any Qualified Provider (over age 55), Direct Access (under age 55) or via the Ear Nose Throat (ENT) department if there are other ENT conditions.

The Audiology Department provides an inclusive Adult Hearing Aid Service, using a range of high quality devices. We have a dedicated assessment pathway for patients with Complex Needs/Learning Disabilities.

If you think there is a problem with your hearing aid or ear mould you can request a repair appointment by telephone on 0191 569 9001 or by emailing sunderland.audiology@chsft.nhs.uk. Please note that if your NHS hearing aid was provided by another provider (including high street providers) then you will need to contact them for batteries and repairs.

If you have a hearing aid provided by us then you can obtain free NHS batteries from most health centres on production of your brown Hearing Aid Book.

The Children’s Hearing Assessment Service provides comprehensive assessment of hearing in newborns, infants and children following appropriate national guidance including that of the National Deaf Children’s Society (www.ndcs.org.uk)

If you have any concern regarding your child’s hearing please ask your GP to refer you to our Audiology service (under Choose & Book) or to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department if there are associated medical issues (such as repeated ear infections).

In addition the Children’s Hearing Aid Service provides a comprehensive assessment, prescription, verification, evaluation and review service using high quality hearing aids. Children are reviewed on a regular basis. We have an excellent working relationship with local education and sensory support services.

All babies born in England are now offered the Newborn Hearing Screen to early identify any significant hearing loss. There is more information available on the NHS Choices website.

We provide the Newborn Hearing Screen across Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead using a dedicated team of hearing screeners. Babies who are referred from the screen are seen for detailed hearing assessment by experienced staff. Hearing loss is typically identified at around 4-8 weeks of age with high quality hearing aids provided soon after.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend any appointments offered as part of the Newborn Hearing Screen. If you have any concern regarding your baby’s hearing or if you have missed the Newborn Hearing Screen then please ask your Health Visitor or GP to refer to us for early hearing assessment.

Hearing aid provision is complemented by the Hearing Therapy service. Lip reading classes are provided and there is a tinnitus service including the provision of ear level noise generators. The department can arrange demonstrations of a wide range of assistive listening devices.

More information is available from the British Tinnitus Association (www.tinnitus.org.uk0800 018 0527)

In most cases patients will have been referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department and as part of your management you may be referred to the Audiology service for assessment and management.

Balance assessment is undertaken using a full range of techniques. Rehabilitation is also provided where appropriate for those identified with vestibular problems who may benefit from this. We have excellent links with Physiotherapy, Care of the Elderly and the ENT Department to promote recovery and symptom management.

We provide an adult BAHA Bone Conduction Auditory Implant assessment and provision service using a choice of devices from a number of manufacturers.

These devices may be appropriate for patients with significant conductive hearing loss, persistent ear infections or hearing loss affecting one ear only.