Audiology

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 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.

Please be aware that, due to all appointments previously having to be cancelled because of coronavirus and the need to limit numbers going forward, those who are referred will have a longer wait for an appointment.

Aside from the booked appointment by referral, we are 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 call us on 01438 284 055 (Lister Hospital) or 01707 247576 (New QEII/Herford County hospitals) and our administration team will either try to help with the query, or organise for an audiologist to call you back and discuss the matter. If you are unable to get through or leave a message, please email: audiology.enh-tr@nhs.net

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but protecting patients and staff is our priority.

Hearing aid clinics

The audiology department provides a comprehensive hearing aid service for all ages including several specialist clinics, seeing 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 can also be provided. The NHS does not fit in the ear hearing aids as a standard choice

Paediatric audiology services

The paediatric audiology service, which is based in Stevenage, treats all ages of children from newborn to school-leaving age. We can care for children with multiple disabilities, those who are difficult to assess for any reason 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). 

The paediatric audiologists have considerable experience assessing the hearing of children.  

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

Vestibular services

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/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 – 01438 284055
New QEII – 01707 247576
Hertford County – 01707 247576
Paediatrics – 07917 837248
Newborn 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