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Paediatric audiology
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About the service
The paediatric audiology department provides specialist assessment and management of babies and children aged 0-18 with hearing problems, with close links to others professionals who have contact with these children.
Hearing assessments are performed by qualified audiologists in a BSA standard paediatric audiological testing room.
Results are discussed and diagnosed and further investigations are requested by ENT consultants.
Children who require a hearing aid are issued with the latest digital technology and we will continue to update this and provide care until they reach adulthood.
Documents and leaflets
Why would someone choose the service?
- Diagnostic tests and assessments are undertaken by qualified staff in a way which follows guidelines from relevant expert and professional bodies
- 100% of parents felt their child’s privacy and dignity was maintained at all times. (patient and public involvement questionnaire November 2023)
- Early diagnosis and intervention is essential to enable children to reach their potential.
- 100% of parents said they were likely or extremely likely to recommend the service to friends and family (patient and public involvement questionnaire November 2023)
Staff you may meet
- Administrative staff provide essential support to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This can be in a variety of different settings, with administrators working as a receptionist in a clinic or a clerk on a ward. They may also be working closely with a consultant as a medical secretary.
- There are many people who work behind the scenes to keep services running and you may meet them in hospital or community settings. They include porters, cleaners, plumbers, electricians, decorators receptionists and secretaries who all work to make sure healthcare settings are kept clean, tidy and safe.
- The NHS employs a wide range of clinical staff, it wouldn’t be possible to list them all on this website! All our clinical staff are skilled, dedicated professionals who adhere to high standards of training and work-place practice.
Why a professional should choose the service
- Our dedicated integrated team works with other professional teams including teachers of the deaf, ear, nose and throat, staff, paediatric doctors and consultants to ensure children are seen in a timely manner
- Audiologists are part of a local network, forging links with colleagues from neighbouring audiology departments, developing joint training sessions, case/peer reviews and service specifications, with best practices shared and adopted to improve practices
- All permanent childhood hearing loss (PCHI) children are offered and fitted with a modern digital hearing instrument (hearing aid) within 2 weeks of confirmation of hearing loss by the consultant
- A joint audit with Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust audiologists and teachers of the deaf takes place annually to strengthen the management of the PCHI children and late diagnosis cases
- All permanent childhood hearing loss (PCHI) children are offered and fitted with a modern digital hearing instrument (hearing aid) within four weeks of confirmation of hearing loss by the consultant
Support offered
- Hearing assessments/consultations
- Hearing aid provision, rehabilitation and continuous care to adulthood
- School hearing screening
- Links to Teacher of the Deaf
- Links to National Deaf Children Society
Outcomes
- Provide hearing assessments
- Identify and monitor any hearing problem found
- Through early intervention, we aim to help children reach their potential
Referrals accepted from:
Carers/family, Consultants, GP staff, Health visitors, Other NHS services, Schools
Referrals also accepted from:
Referrals also accepted from nursery nurses, audiologists.
Referral criteria:
- Babies and children from birth to 18 years old who require a hearing assessment or subsequent hearing aid issue and rehabilitation
- Referrals can be made by letter, referral form, system one or telephone
- Urgent referrals can be requested – see our referral form (healthcare professionals only)
- Referrals should be sent to paediatric audiology at New Street Health Centre
Exclusions
- New referrals over the age of 18 years
- For any issues related to tonsils, adenoids, repeated ear infections or wider nose and throat problems, please consider GP/ENT referral