Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals

Audiology serviceAdult Audiology Rehabilitation Centre

If you need a large print, audio, braille, easy read, age-friendly or translated copy of the document, please contact us on:

Telephone: 020 3456 5076.

We will try our best to meet your needs.

Welcome to the Adult Audiology Rehabilitation Centre at the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals.

You have been referred to us as a result of a recent visit to your doctor about your hearing.

This leaflet aims to guide you through the process of what will happen when you attend your appointment and any future visits you may have.

Direct referral assessment appointmentYour GP doctor may have checked your ears prior to arranging a referral to our department. However, it is always advisable to have them checked closer to your appointment date again, as we may not be able to proceed with the appointment if there is wax present in your ear canals. Please contact your GP or GP practice nurse to arrange it. If ear syringing or irrigation is not possible in your case, it may be best if your GP refers you to our ENT colleagues instead.

•Your appointment will last around one hour and you will be seen by an Audiologist.

•During the appointment, you will be asked about your medical history and hearing problems, so come prepared.

•Your hearing and your hearing needs will be assessed.

• The Audiologist will explain the result of the assessment to you and together, you will design the best treatment plan that suits your needs.

• The results of your hearing assessment will dictate if the Audiologist needs to take an impression of your ear/s for an ear mould.

• Ifpartofthetreatmentplanistotrialnewamplificationdevicesorupgradeyourexistingones, your Audiologist will help you develop a personal plan, identifying problems and setting goals.

• If required, at the end of the hearing assessment consultation, we will organise your next 1hourappointmentforyoutohaveyournewamplificationdevices.

Please note: This department only offers Behind-The-Ear (BTE) style hearing aids, unless there is a valid clinical/medical reason for requiring alternative styles. The BTE hearing aid contraindication needs to be supported in writing by the appropriate medical professional. ThefinaldecisionisstillleftwiththeAudiologist.

Fitting appointmentYour appointment will last around one hour

You will work with your Audiologist and discuss the best approach to address your hearing needs.

Yourhearingaidswillbeprescribedtoyourneedsusingadvancedverificationtechniquestoensureyougetthemaximumbenefitsfromthem.

You will be given full instructions including a demonstration of how to:

• Replace the battery

• Operate the controls

• Insert and remove the hearing aids

• Clean and maintain them

Youwillbeissuedwithafittingpackwhichwillincludeinstructionmanuals,batteriesand a variety of other documents for you to read.

Follow up appointmentThiswillbearrangedafteryourfittingappointmenttoensureyourhearingtreatmentplanis working.You will be given the option of coming in to the hospital, or arranging a telephone based appointment.

What should I bring with me?You are welcome to bring a friend or relative along to your appointments. If you require access to an interpreter or require the use of hospital transport, please inform your GP. At the initial assessment appointment please bring along a list of your current medication.

Lost Aid PolicyOn losing your hearing aid(s) please be aware that a charge (subject to change) may be made towards the administrative cost of providing any replacement aids.

Where can I get more information?NHSWebsite: www.nhs.ukUCLH cannot accept responsibility for information provided by external organisations.

Services AvailableWalk in Repair ClinicYour hearing aid will need regular servicing and maintenance.We recommend visiting the repair clinics to have your ear mould re-tubed or Corda tubes and domes replaced every six months or so (if appropriate). If your hearing aid breaks, stops working or develops a fault, you can drop in to one of the regular repair clinics (see opening hours below).We believe your hearing aid will last for several years, however, we suggest that you have at least a three yearly review of your hearing needs with your Audiologist. This can be arranged following a new referral by your GP.

Walk-in repair clinic timings:Monday, Wednesday & Thursdays: 2:00pm to 4.30pm Tuesdays & Fridays: 9:30am to 12.30pm

Walk-in ear mould impression/collection clinic timings:Monday & Thursday - 2:00pm to 4.30pmTuesdays (Except 1st & 5th Tuesdays of the month) - 9:00am to 12:30pmThese clinics are NOT for sound adjustments of your hearing aids or hearing tests.

Replacement batteriesThese can be obtained at the Reception desk at the Adult Audiology Rehabilitation Centre upon presentation of your Hearing Aid Battery Issuing Record Book (‘brown book’) provided at your hearingaidfittingappointment.Wearealsoabletoprovidebatteriesviapost.Pleaseaskforfurther information.

MicrosuctionIn cases where wax cannot be safely removed by ear syringing/irrigation, your GP may refer you to the ENT nurse led aural care clinic.

PALS – If you have any concernsPALS is a patient-friendly, easy to access service designed to provide a personal contact point to assist patients, relatives and carers. If you have a problem that you have not been able to sort out we can help you to resolve it.ThePALSofficeislocatedinthemainatriumofUniversityCollegeHospital,235EustonRoad.PALS are open: Monday to Friday: 10:00 till 16:00Telephone: 020 3447 3042 Email: uclh.pals@nhs.net

Contact DetailsIf you have any other concerns or questions regarding your appointment, please contact us on:

Appointments: 020 3447 9393

Repairs only: 020 3456 5240

Reception times: 9.00am to 5.00pm

Email: uclh.rntne.ada@nhs.net

How to find us Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospital47-49 Huntley StreetLondonWC1E 6DG.Huntley Street is close to Euston, Warren Street and Goodge Street underground Stations and there are bus stops nearby.

Tottenham Court Road

Gower Street

Grafton Way

Grafton Way

Huntley Street

Capper Street

University Street

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Shropshire Place

UniversityCollegeHospital

Goodge Street Station

0.5 km (0.3mi)

ElizabethGarrett

AndersonWing

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MortimerMarketCentre

CottonRooms

Congestion Charge Zone Emergency DepartmentMain entrances

Euston SquareStation

Warren Street Station

Morti

mer Market

First published: April 2012Last review date: June 2016Next review date: June 2018Leafletcode: UCLH/SH/RNENTEDH/AHAC/AS/03© University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCreated by Clinical Photography Unique Code: 27443