Audiology Complex Direct Referral for Adults

An audiology (non-medical) service including hearing assessment with redirection for hearing aids, tinnitus management, diagnostic tests of ear and hearing function, communication support and signposting to voluntary sector provision as appropriate.  Not suitable for discharging or painful ears.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unilateral or asymmetrical hearing loss
• Bilateral, Unilateral or disruptive Tinnitus
• Listening difficulties where hearing within normal limits
• Adults unable to perform a standard hearing test with learning or cognitive difficulties

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18                                                       : refer Community Audiology
• Current ear pain or discharge                       : refer ENT
• Vertigo                                                           : refer ENT
• Routine patients                                            : refer NHS Hearing Care Centres
• Pulsatile tinnitus                                            : refer ENT
• Hearing aid users                                          : patient to contact hearing aid provider directly

Referral: by NHS E Referral

• Ensure ears clear of wax or discharge
• Contact details
• Relevant medical history
• Medications & allergies
• Relevant investigations
• Special requirements eg disabilities or sensory impairment
• Language & need for interpreter
• Mobility (if ambulance transport needed patient to contact West Midlands Ambulance Service 01926 310312)

Assessment by Audiology Clinicians:

• Otoscopy
• Tympanometry
• Pure Tone Audiometry
• Motivational tools & Questionnaires

Outcomes

• Referral
• Investigations (MRI)
• Investigations of listening difficulties
• Hearing rehabilitation including hearing aids
• Tinnitus management
• Discharge and clinic letters