• Reference Number: HEY965-2024
• Departments: Audiology
• Last Updated: 3 June 2024

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure.  Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the audiologist, but may act as a starting point for discussion.   If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.

Why have I been offered this appointment?

You have been offered a hearing aid review appointment because either your doctor or you have requested an assessment.  In some cases an ear, nose and throat doctor may have contacted the Audiology Department to arrange this, following a recent appointment with them.

What will happen during the appointment?

The audiologist will ask you some questions regarding your hearing aid use and discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing with your hearing aid.

The audiologist will examine your ears using an otoscope, which is a small hand held device that illuminates the ear canal.  A small plastic tip will be placed just inside the entrance of your ear canal to perform the examination.

If required, a hearing test will be performed to evaluate hearing and to see if there have been any changes to you hearing.  The test is performed in order to find the quietest sounds that you can hear at a variety of different pitches.  The sounds are presented through ear phones; you will be asked to press a hand held button every time you hear a sound.  Sometimes an additional test will be performed using a small box-like vibrating device, which sits behind one of your ears.  The audiologist will discuss the results of your test with you.

Your hearing aid will be checked to ensure that it is in good working order and that it is providing sufficient amplification for your current hearing loss.  It may be necessary to adjust your hearing aid settings or provide you with a new hearing aid if required.

To programme a hearing aid to your hearing loss, a number of measurements are often performed.  A thin soft tube will be inserted into your ear canal, enabling the audiologist to measure a series of sounds within your ear.  You will be required to sit facing a speaker whilst these sounds are played.  The audiologist will make prescriptive adjustments to the hearing aid and then discuss your opinions regarding sound quality.  Further adjustments can be made for your personal preference.

If a different model of hearing aid has been prescribed, the audiologist will demonstrate and explain how to operate the new hearing aid.

If you have any questions for the audiologist, do not hesitate in asking them at your appointment.

How do I prepare for the appointment?

Please read the information leaflet.  Share the information it contains with your partner and family (if you wish) so that they can be of help and support.  There may be information they need to know, especially if they are taking care of you following this examination.

The tests performed can be affected and in some cases prevented by wax and ear infections; it is important that you ensure your ears are clear of wax. Your doctor will be able to offer you advice if you are uncertain. If you have an ear infection, it is wise to contact the Audiology Department in order to rearrange your appointment.

How long will the appointment take?

The appointment will take approximately 1 hour.

Will I have any further appointments?

You will need to return to the Audiology Department on a 6 monthly basis to have your hearing aid maintained.  You will be provided with contact details in order for you to arrange this.

You will not be routinely offered a follow up appointment.  The Audiology Department has an open access policy, which means you can contact the department at any time to arrange further follow up appointments and hearing assessments.  You do not require another referral from your doctor.

In some cases your hearing test results or responses during the medical history taking may lead to a recommendation from the audiologist to have a referral to the Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department.  If you agree to this, the audiologist will contact your doctor via a letter to arrange this.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Audiology Department on tel: 01482 468355