Audiology
Latest Updates
The public are being asked to help reunite lost hearing aids with their owners following a rise in the number of hearing aids being lost during the pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic,there has been a large increase in the number of NHS hearing aid wearers reporting lost aids. Many people have reported that their hearing aid has been lost as they remove their COVID-19 face covering. Read more here.
Audiology
The purpose built audiology suite, was opened in March 2006. The service is operated by a lone practitioner. Since 2006 the client base has continued to grow and now exceeds 1700 patients.
Services include:
- Adult Hearing Assessment
- Audiological Rehabilitation
- Modern Digital Hearing Aid Fittings
- Hearing Aid repairs and follow-up service
- Tinnitus Therapy
- Diagnostic Audiometry, to support Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Services
Alongside adult services, the neonatal screening programme tests the hearing function of all babies, which will allow identification and therefore very early intervention for any babies identified as having a hearing loss. Older children are also referred to audiology from school health services, health visitors, the language unit, speech and language therapy and GP's. Paediatric clinics are held once a month, or more often if necessary.
Assessment process
All hearing aid patients are initially seen three times; once for assessment, once for hearing aid fitting, and once for review. A two-part quality-of-life questionnaire is completed at assessment and at review to assess the patient’s level of disability and handicap before and after fitting. This serves to evaluate the outcome of hearing aid fitting, and to highlight particular areas of difficulty for each patient.
New referrals are generally seen within 4-6 weeks of referral, with hearing aid fitting within 4-6 weeks of that.
The third appointment will take place around two months following hearing aid fitting and will allow us to check how the patient is managing with their hearing aid(s), and to make any alterations needed.
Please note that all NHS hearing aids are currently of the behind-the-ear (BTE) style.
New patients need a referral from their GP. The GP will check the ear health and ensure there is no wax present, and that a referral to audiology is appropriate.
Aftercare
Existing NHS hearing aid patients can phone the appointments number 888075 to book an appointment if their hearing aid requires service or repair.
Batteries can be collected from several places around Orkney, including main reception at the Balfour Hospital, and at the following GP surgeries:
- Stromness, Hoy, Dounby, St Margaret’s Hope, Eday, Westray, Rousay, Sanday, Shapinsay, Stronsay and North Ronaldsay.
All hearing aid patients are kept under review, and will be sent an appointment every three years for a routine reassessment of their hearing and hearing aid provision. Existing hearing aid users need not go back through their GP to arrange a review appointment, but can arrange one directly should they experience problems or changes to their hearing.
Please Note; as Audiology is a single-handed service, there will be times due to annual leave, training or other clinical commitments when audiology services are not available. At these times, patients should book an appointment for when services resume.
C2Hear
What is C2Hear?
- An evidence-based set of 10 interactive multimedia videos (or reusable learning objects, RLOs).
- Addresses practical and psychosocial issues about hearing aids and communication.
- Developed with hearing aid users and audiologists.
- At the end of each RLO there is a self-evaluation quiz to show what has been learned.
What are the benefits of C2Hear?
- Better knowledge of hearing aids and communication.
- Better hearing aid handling skills.
- Greater use of hearing aids for people who don’t wear their hearing aids all of the time.
- Improved confidence and reassurance in using hearing aids and communicating.
C2Hear is available on DVD or can be viewed on-line via YouTube, just search for “C2Hear” and follow the links.
Useful links:
For more information:
Technical enquiries: 01856 888025 Appointments: 01856 888075 Christine.West3@nhs.scot