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Audiology

Audiology is concerned with the science of hearing and balance, particularly diagnostic testing and the rehabilitation of hearing-impaired individuals. Audiologists perform tests for patients in ENT clinics and Audiological medicine.

Booked appointments for the audiology department are by referral only from your GP. There are currently no walk-in services.

Existing patients should call on one of the numbers below to discuss whether an appointment is required.

We are also able to accept postal hearing aid repairs and requests for hearing aid batteries. Please post your hearing aid/s with your brown battery book and note of the problem, and a stamped addressed envelope and we will return the repaired hearing aid/s via post. Please ensure correct postage has been paid in order to receive your hearing aid promptly. 

For any enquiries please:

Hearing aid clinics

The audiology department provides a hearing aid service for all ages including several specialist clinics. The team care for patients through each stage of their treatment from the initial assessment of hearing status, to the hearing aid fitting and follow-up care. 

The department mainly fits the latest digital ‘behind-the-ear’ hearing aids. Certain other specialist devices such as CROS/ BiCROS hearing aids and ‘in-the-ear’ hearing aids may also be provided. The NHS does not fit in-the-ear hearing aids as standard.

Paediatric audiology services (children’s hearing services)

The paediatric audiology service which is based at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, treats all ages of children from newborn to school-leaving age.

The service is part of a national review of children’s hearing services, to make sure that all national guidelines and standards are being followed. This means that some children may wait longer than usual for an appointment, or may be seen at a different hospital than usual. The most urgent clinical cases will be prioritised in the waiting list. GPs should continue to refer to the service as usual.

If you have any questions, concerns or feedback about the children’s hearing services, please:

We care for children with multiple disabilities, and for children who are at increased risk of permanent hearing loss.

When testing children’s hearing, it is important that an appropriate method is used based on the child’s age, ability and interest, and one that will give the information that is required. Some tests require children to be alert, awake, co-operative and happy to play with the audiologist (behavioural tests). Others require the child to be quiet and still or asleep (objective tests). 

Tests selection will be based upon observations of the child in the clinic and the information given by the parents.

Vestibular services (services relating to balance)

The vestibular service based at Lister Hospital in Stevenage works closely with the ear, nose and throat (ENT) neurology consultants and physiotherapists to help manage patients with dizziness or balance problems. The clinic performs a wide range of specialist vestibular (balance) assessment and rehabilitation including: 

  • Tests of eye movements with video recording (Videonystagmography), including caloric testing 
  • Tests of balance 
  • Tests for Positional Vertigo 
  • Treatment manoeuvres for Positional Vertigo 
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises 
  • Breathing control exercises / relaxation 
  • Other specialist tests to include: 
  • Auditory Brainstem Response 
  • Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials 
  • Electrocochleography 

Newborn hearing screening

The universal newborn hearing screening programme is offered to all babies born at the Lister Hospital and at home within our catchment area.

It uses a non-invasive, quick and simple test to check the hearing of all newborn babies. 

It is usually performed at the bedside before you leave hospital, when your baby is sleeping. Occasionally you may be offered an outpatient appointment.  

Tinnitus

The tinnitus clinic offer modern therapeutic approaches for patients with troublesome tinnitus. 

The clinic can offer a range of treatments including sound therapy, relaxation therapy, counselling and hearing aids. The actual therapy prescribed depends on the needs of the individual and the cause of the tinnitus. 

How can I get referred?

All new referrals must come via your GP. If you are an existing patient please contact us directly.

Contact us

  • Lister Hospital – 01438 284055
  • New QEII Hospital – 01707 247576
  • Hertford County Hospital – 01707 247576
  • Paediatric audiology (children’s hearing services) – 07917 837248
  • Newborn hearing screening – 01438 285432

Please note: An answer machine is active on all the phones

Email: audiology.enh-tr@nhs.net

Care and maintenance of your hearing aid

To find out more about how to look after your hearing aids, please visit our Care and maintenance of your hearing aid page

Page last updated: 24 November 2023